page_0001

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 arti-
cle, and its probable extent,
he came to the conclusion that
it would be better to confine
yourself for the present to
the rodentia, and insecti-
vora, leaving the other
orders for a second article.
This will facilitate your ope-
rations very much; and besides
will form a basis for addi-
tional compensation in another
essay.

I wish you could manage
to procure and forward a

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