Correspondence (incoming) - A

in tendering such a sum for educational purposes. The Leland Stanford Jr. University, as a university for scholastic acquirements only, must be an institution of slow growth. It will be years before there will be a great demand for its special work in the departments of letters, science, or mathematics, for such schools are already abundant. In the line which I have indicated, its work could begin at once, and its influence for good may be felt long before the costly [halk?] for the other departments are filled, or even before they are ready for occupancy. Moreover, as before suggested, in much of this work it would stand alone, and would, in the end, without doubt, inaugurate an entirely new departure in practical education. I have, in order to be as brief as possible, restricted myself to thoughts connected with the education of men. I am equally interested, or, if possible, more interested, in the education of women, and similar

lines of thought are pressing for utterance, in connection with the industrial education of women. But feeling that I have already trespassed too far upon your time, I close by subscribing myself, Very Respectfully Yours, [?] Allen,

Des Moines, Iowa, March 29, 1889

Hon. Leland Stanford, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir:- As I am now ready to enter upon an advanced line of studies such as I presume will be embodied in the courses of the great institution which you have established, I write you to know when your university will open and to ask you to send me the announcements of the proposed courses etc. if such are now out. Yours Respectfully, E.S. Ames

University Place, Des Moines, Io.

E. Amsden, No.24, Yokohama, Japan.

26th Sept 1887 Gov. Leland Stanford San Francisco

Dear Sir, Reading in the Californian papers of your Museum to which specimens are being constantly added, it has occured to me that you might like to purchase two skeletons of the New Zeland "Moa" now in my possession. The larger (Dinornis Robustus) is I believe the finest one now in existence, for sale, and stands 8ft. 4.5 ins. in height; that of the smaller (Dinornis [casnarinns?]) being 5ft 3ins. . At the Melbourne Exhibition where they were on view, Prof Van [Haarst?] said they were the finest specimens outside of those in the Christchurch Museum, and an offer of US [G?] 950 and 400 was then refused, as one 7'3" was sold in N.Z. about the same time for USG 1000. Having no suitable storage accommodation for them and my movements being uncertain, I have decided to dispose of them at (considering their [rarity?]) the following resonable figures Dinornis Robustus USG 1100 Dinornis [Casnarinus?] USG 500 which will include freight to San Francisco, but not Insurance, about 1.5% payable here. By the same opportunity I am making a similar offer to Spencer [A?] Baird Esq. of the [Smithsonian Institute?] by request of a friend of his staying here, but shall

await answers before taking further steps. The [Agent?] for the Belgian Museum is very anxious to have the first offer, but I have candidly told him that if they leave my possession it shall be for some American Institution if possible. I was for some years connected with G.[J.?]Marsh [?] of your city, for a preliminary reference I would suggest Mr. C.W. Jackson of Miss [Hubert?] [+?] Beak 405 Montgomery St., who, or any of that [firm?] will give you any information regarding me. Having a large connection amongst the higher class Japanese in [Tokyo?]. I have many opportunities of getting unique specimens of ancient manufacturers and Art subjects that are not found in the regular course of business; and shall be glad to collect and classify any specimens that you may be in want of for your Institution, either anitque or modern. Awaiting your reply, I remain, Yours faithfully E.Amsden *Photo of "Moas" enclosed. Please return it if you do not entertain the proposal