3

worth while to try to be a Natura-
list. A patient and persevering wat-
ching of nature will cause her to reveal
all her most cherished secrets. When
you see any animal, always endeavor
to find out what it is about to do: take
as many species as possible in hand, and
try to discover their movements during the
breeding season. Use your pen freely:
write down every fact you observe, how-
ever trivial in your note book. Practice
freely the writing out descriptions of but,
reptiles, fishes &c. and when you place two
closely allied species side by side, try
to write out their precese distinctions,
so as to be appreciable by others.
In the spring you will have a
full hand and head in watching
and recording the habits and manners
of the reptiles. Find out for instance, when
the Salamanders lay their eggs, how many,
how they copulate &c, as mentioned by me
in a previous letter. Especially the large
Ambystoma Cureda, the large black salaman-
der with yellow spots. For him you
must watch very early in spring, while
the snow is still on the ground.
I will see that you have all the
books I can send you. I have had your
name put on the books of the Coast
Survey, Patent office, census &c, so that
whether any you receive are directed by
me or not. You may know they come in,
directly from me. I will also send some
other works very soon, among them
the Zoology of the Iconographic Encyclo-
pedia. With kindest regards to your
father I remain your friend
S.F. Baird
[written vertically along left page margin :
collect all kinds of small mammals this winter.]

Robert W Kennicott
West Northfield, Ill