RK-169

Beesley Point, Cape May Co. N.J July 23. 1856

Dear Robert

I got your letter a day or two before leaving Washington, and not being able to answer it then, brought it with me here.

Your idea about popularising Herpetology is an excellent one. and I hope you will carry it out. Nothing is to me more outrageous than the indiscriminate destruction of snakes, by people generally. and any change in the feeling of antipathy and aversion, is much to be desired. The only species that should be destroyed are the posonous ones; the rest are of much importance in keeping under the predacious insects and mammals.

Mr. Odell wrote me that he was disappointed at not finding the can at Dubuque, to which place I suppose

he requested you to send it. He left word to have it forwarded. His present residence is somewhere in Minnesota, but I forget where

I will try and meet your wishes in regard to the specimens for the Boston Society, after my return in October. Please remind me of it then. I can probably make up a good many of the Reptiles, if not at present of the fish I will be candid with you whenever you ask anything I cannot readily do. So give yourself no uneasiness on that score.

Very truly Yours SF Baird

Robt. Kennicott, West Northfield Ill