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we will keep them alive in the yard with
others that we have. Lend to him, & not
to the Academy. Reptiles will be very
important to the latter, but it is hardly
worth while to send them alive, as they
are never taken care of until they die,
& they are then put in spirits, a thing
that might as well be done before they
are sent to us.

I suppose you have seen the description
of your snake in the last Proceedings. Let
it be followed by many more papers.
It is a capital beginning. Keep on,
and believe me Ever,

Sincerely yours
John L. LeConte