RK-009

x label x [illegible] x [illegible] x 89

October 6' 1853

My Dear Sir I have just come across a very interesting work call the Boy Hunters, by Capt. Mayne Reid, of which I beg your acceptance. It will always give me much pleasure to stimulate your tastes for Natural History by means of such works as this which are well calculated to impart the spirit of their authors. I also send some miscellaneous works which I hope may all reach you. I have not yet had time to make any minute examination of the fishes &c. you so kindly sent me, but hope to do so before very long. I trust to be put in possession through your kind instrumentality of all the species which exist within your range. You need not any reiterated directions to keep the specimens from different localities distinct: this is the only classification necessary however. The greater the number of localities, the greater of course the interest, and complete collections to include all the species for each locality will be exceedingly important. Look sharp for [letter torn] little darters among the stones in [letter torn] low ripples. Of these there is great [letter torn]. Among the minnows [illegible] [letter torn] will find many

species. Cannot you make some collections in Chicago River, near its mouth. I know this is not a very good time for fish, and expect to wait for most until next spring. Dont forget to pick up all the snakes, lizards & frogs you come across and throw them into the keg. I need not repeat that we shall expect to refund any expenditures for alcohol, kegs &c. - what there's for use freely. I enclose a printed label which you can stick on the keg or box whenever you send in, which please do by express Sincerely yours S.F. Baird Robert Kennicott