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basis of your own, as I have
done very little in the matter;
Your own description, though
somewhat differently worded was
quite as good as mine. Say
nothing whatever about me or
any aid of mine in the article;
if you do I will strike it out!

Furthermore in connection
with your desire to enter into
correspondence with the leading
Naturalists of the country, Do
this directly by all means.
Nothing will give me more plea-
sure than to see you engaged
in this communication and
properly appreciated by them,
as you deserve. In any event
and particularly if the Cura-
torship plan is carried out
you will find their acquaintance
beneficial. You had better
also send your specimens di-
rectly to them, and not through
us; as there would ^then be no Smith
sonian taint which might be
disagreeable to some of the par-
ties! Of course I would like
to have the first peek of your
collections; but I have done