RK-067

ReadAboutContentsHelp

Pages

page_0001
Needs Review

page_0001

x pin

[stamp] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION WASHINGTON D.C.

May 11' 1855

My Dear Robert

The box of snakes arrived to day and I take the first opportunity after unpacking, to write about them. A few of the snakes were dead: most however were lively and in excellent condition. The mice were all dead: indeed I feared this would be the case. They were entirely rotten and must have died a day or two after starting. I could not tell their species. The one sent in letter of the 4', appears much like Hoy species, but to determine accurately all the questions about these mice will require many specimens of all, taken at different seasons.

The snake of which you sent two specimens, one alive the other dead, is not Regina liberis, but as far as I can tell now, an entirely new species!! I never saw it before. It comes between

Last edit 8 months ago by The Grove National Historic Landmark
page_0002
Needs Review

page_0002

R. leberis and R. rigida get more of these, as many as possible; and dont send to any body else for the present. When I get a little time I will make out a description, if really new, and send to the academy for publication, in your name. What do you think of Regina Kentlandii, Kenn.

There are three species of Eutaenia in your collection. First the very splender black species, sent separate with the dorsal stripe darker redder than the lateral, and the lateral stripes on the 3' & 4' rows. This is E. proxima. Next the larger thick short very rough sealed species. Similarly constituted, as to color and position of stripes This is E. radix. Next the largest species of all, with lateral stripe indistinctly on the 2' & 3' rows of scales. This is the true E. sirtalis. I have not satisfied myself whether the specimens

Last edit 8 months ago by The Grove National Historic Landmark
page_0003
Needs Review

page_0003

with red blotches on the skin between the scales are more than a simple variety:

The turtles all came safe and alive, and will doubtless be a great treat to the Frenchmen. The little Storeria acupilo- mainlata is a beauty, and will doubtless give much pleasure.

The four skinks were all alive: the three largest were Plistiodon quinquelineatum, the smallest, what is called P. fasciatium It is uncertain as yet whether it is not the young of the other.

The frogs were Rana cla- mata, largest, (and the Rana in the little Hyla bag), the R. hale- cina, an those green with oval spots. The Hylas are H. triseriata: H. versicoler, largest, and H. pickeringii. The first and last are of same size: the former with the stripes nearly parallel [a drawing]: the

Last edit 8 months ago by The Grove National Historic Landmark
page_0004
Needs Review

page_0004

other having them crossed ([drawing] more or less so). The toads are both the same, though differently colored. Bufo americanus

It is perfectly proper that you should charge the S. I. with the amount of your necessary expenses. We are not very flush of money at present. the fund for Nat. Hist. operations having been pretty well run out with some enormous california freight bills (146.00 in one week!): Still your operations must not be crip- pled. Suppose you take 20 or 25 dollars as a limit for the present year. Will that answer your views: let me know as to this.

I have been delayed with your apparatus for want of Lino for bags. which I cannot get here. I hope soon to have some and then will immediately forward the traps. I have ordered one of the jointed

Last edit 8 months ago by The Grove National Historic Landmark
page_0005
Needs Review

page_0005

packet nets for you, and will send with the other things You will find it very convenient. I have used one for years. It is good to catch all sorts of things, not excepting apples and peaches

Dont trouble yourself about the Insect pins. You shall have just as many as you want, till my stock gives out. I have still plenty on hand.

I will help you all I can with the lists you want. Before the time you specify, I hope if life & health be spared, to have gone over all the reptiles & fishes thoroughly. The mammals of course I can give sooner, being pretty well ported in them. The birds you can send me or Hoy as you please. The crustacea, Myriapoda, & worms. Mr. Girard will name. Latham of Milwaukee or Dr. Kirtland will do the shells. Spiders I am not sure about. Send them here however and maybe Mr. Girard will

Last edit 9 months ago by The Grove National Historic Landmark
Displaying pages 1 - 5 of 6 in total