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[printed letterhead]
No. [written] 1678 [printed] Smithsonian Institution,
Washington, D. C.

[written]
December 13, 1856

Dear Robert

I am sorry that my
letter sent to West Northfield
has miscarried. I believe it was a
very long one. Its purpose has how-
ever been covered by the several
subsequent ones.

First and foremost however
I most decidedly advise you con-
tinuing your medical studies until
you acquire the degree, even if you
take several more years to it.
That is I would not [illegible] a
winter, until the object is at-
tained. It will be all important
to your success in life as a Profes-
sor of Natural Science, as an in-
vestigator in Zoology, or even as
Curator of a Museum. Its studies
lie at the foundation of a good
scientific education, and without
acquiring them thoroughly you
cannot expect for success as a
naturalist.

You can readily combine
both objects, especially if you