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me more of good knowledge than I
have obtained sometimes by several days
reading –

I go to Unitarian Church with
Mrs Baird this morning – to the Smithsonian
with Baird this evenig and tomorrow
will begin work at the Institution –
Tomorrow I go to my boarding place
which is a house rented by a club
of Naturalists who have reserved me
a place – cost of Board washing etc about
$30. per month – These gentlemen some
of the finest naturalists here (Cooper and others)
will be very desirable companions indeed
Baird said the only fear was that they
would teach me to smoke!

I have $40. on hand & Evans promises me
$70. when needed & Judson $100. in a couple
of months – My debts in Chicago are
in all less than $30. provided I dont
owe Downs & Husted each over about
$6. or $8. All of this is to be left till
spring for payment.

I gave Guy Cutting $5. to hand to Charlie
or father – I thought that even that
little might be useful just at present
& I wish Alice and Cora to go to
Rattle’s Shoe Store (about 51 Clarke St near
Prairie Farmer office) and get each a pair
of good boots – Cost only $1.50 or $2. per pair
and the girls will find them an economical
institution in the end – will save them cold
& wet feet many a time. – I particularly