ENPages
page_0001
Smiths May 29' 1855
My Dear Robert
For once the mail has been a little expeditious! I have this morning yours of 25: little over three days in passage.
I trust the alcohol apparatus will reach you in time and answer your purposes. It was addressed simply Chicago Robt. Kennicott.
As to the "funds" will $50.00 cover the ground? If so take that limit. Our appropriations are rather low, but I would rather furnish the tin myself than have you hampered.
As a general rule the collections made on the spur of the moment by new hands work amount
page_0002
to much. I would rather have what you might secure than the results of a hundred new hands in any given time. Discourage omnium gatherum collections. Perhaps they might secure all mammals; except squirrels & rabbits, of which a few might be taken in each place. All reptiles would perhaps be too general. All small snakes, & tree frogs: might do. You yourself will doubtless get most larger species. Confine attention, after one series of big fish, mainly to the small fry. If you can stir up a few folks like Shaw in different points, to diligent collections, it will be of most advantage.
However you know all about these things better than I do. So go ahead
page_0003
Let me know if 50.00 will answer you purposes; or if you want more; you can tell but after making a beginning.
It will be very well to send Dr. Holbrook a collection of fishes & Reptiles if he wishes them. You can send all together here, and we will assort and send him a share any how. I do not feel sure about the return of money expenditures as the Dr is very absent minded and forgetful.
Write often to me from point to point. I
page_0004
would be glad to hear at least once a week.
Cordially yours SF Baird
Robt Kennicott.
I sent a small lot of parchment in a letter. Did you get it? I will send you some printed labels soon.