RK-071

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[stamp] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION [written] 759 [stamp] WASHINGTON D.C.

May 27' 1855

My Dear Robert

I received your letter of the 17' today, and answer it at once although the collection of snakes announced, has not yet arrived. By the way I do not understand why it takes a letter from 6 to 10 days to come from Chicago.

I have now little or no doubt that the new Regina is R. lebera R. grahamii. The specimen described in serpent catalogue was a very young specimen, and lacked the row of spots on the belly. This is however nothing: several allus species sometimes having a median row of spots and sometimes not. You will doubtless find more novelties however and at any rate if you prefer, we can call new snake No. 1. after Dr. Kirtland instead of R. Kennicott!

You need not send any of the common garter snakes, such as you can get at The Grove. But in Western Illinois on Rock River particularly you will find Ptyophis Sayi, (Ball snake) Scotophis vulpinus, and other different species. Send any of these from time to time that

[written on top of page sideways (right)] May 28' 5

Last edit 8 months ago by The Grove National Historic Landmark
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You can catch alive. As to Crota- lus durissus, it will perhaps be best not to send any so far. They are abundant in the Mts. of Penna & Virginia near here, and I can readily get them. Crolalophorus however I would like. In sending such things, endorse the scientific name outside so that I may know. As far as possible it will be best to confine the sendings to a small number, allowing them to accumulate for each lot, so as to save expense. It will not be worthwhile to send any of the big frogs unless you get something new. The common sort I get here well enough

My movements are uncertain, this summer, but I shall be here certainly to the middle of July, perhaps longer. I would rather not have anything sent between this time and the end of September, as it is uncertain whe- ther they would be cared for.

I hope the apparatus will get you safely. I would have sent it two weeks earlier but could

Last edit 9 months ago by The Grove National Historic Landmark
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not get the jointed net ready, 759. and I know you wanted this. I suppose however if you have left, they will send it after you. The pamphlet of direction contains a list of the apparatus I use, with instructions for using it.

Keep a Journal of your travels, and a record of all you observe relative to the Natural History of your collections. These may be of much importance to science.

I do not know how Shaw succeeds: he has never sent us anything as yet. Stir him up about the mammals.

Your brothers and sisters are very kind to help you as they do, instead of trying to discourage you. Such are worth having. Please present to them as well as your parents my respectful regards.

Let me know what public documents you now have, of the explorations &. Are there any more of the Smithsonian works you want? I enclose a list of our pub

Yours truly SF Baird

Robt. Kennicott Illinois

[written sideways (left)] x Spiders are best put in alcohol. Alcoholic specimens should be numbered if you want to refer to them Use parchment labels for these.

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May / 55

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