RK-224

Philada. Dec. 28. 1856

My Dear Robert.

A day or two ago, just before I left Washington, on a short visit here. I saw Mr. Brown of the Patent office. In discussing your article, and its probable extent, he came to the conclusion that it would be better to confine yourself for the present to the rodentia, and insectivora, leaving the other orders for a second article. This will facilitate your operations very much; and besides will form a basis for additional compensation in another essay.

I wish you could manage to procure and forward a

[page turned, stamped on left side] J. Kennicott Brenton Collections

living fox squirrel; a black and even a gray one would also be desirable. I want all the figures taken from life. A living Pseudostoma bursarius would be of great importance in the series. Could you not manage to get one?. A wood chuck I suppose could not be had this season

Yours truly S.F. Baird