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1236
a

Smithsonian Inst
Washington. Oct. 24. 56

Dear Robert:

I have not yet received
the order from the commissioner
about your article on quardupeds
but I think he will give it: at
any rate there will be but little
risk in going ahead

The article should detail all
the habits and peculiarities of the
species, as fully as possible,
giving information for the farmer
as well as naturalist, and omit-
ting no fact however apparently tri-
vial.

Of course include all spe-
cies of any bearing upon the farmers
interests, those injurious as well
as beneficial - moles, mice, [illegible]
bats, (eat insects) &c

I think at first it
will be best to confine attention
mainly to the animals of
your own region, say Illinois,
Wisconsin, Michigan &c. Dont