RK-316

[printed letterhead] No. [written] 660 [printed] Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. [written] May 16 [printed] 18 [written] 57

My Dear Robert

I think it would be as well to take no birds but such as are very rare: you can do much better in the other departments. You can exchange your other collections without difficulty, for birds.

I wish you could spend such a season in Minnesota you are doing in S. Illinois. You would do a great work.

I was much amused with your "snake experiences". You worked that bully very well. I have no doubt from your description that the snake is a moccasin

I would like now to have as large a number of living species of serpents as you can

send: I dont want any moccasins among them how ever!

Very truly yours S.F. Baird

Robt. Kennicott Anna Ill