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[printed letterhead]
No. [written] 1288[printed] Smithsonian Institution,
[written] 2
[printed] Washington, D. C. 18

[written]
I have already done nearly two
thirds of it; – When finished, then
for the reptiles.

By all means take the
presentation to National Medical
College. You ought to do some
medical study while here; so as
to have it count in your getting a
profession. By the way, bring
along what notes and memoran-
da you need to write the
remainder of your article on
the mammals; the Secretary
of Interior and Commissioner of
Patents have authorized its com-
pletion in the next report, so
that your expenses here will be
secured.

You had better become
as well acquainted with Illinois
Members of Congress, as possible.
So as to get books from them.
They will have it in their power
to furnish a great many this
winter of much interest.