TITLE PAGE OF VOLUME I OF THE ENGLISH EDITION OF THE TEXT OF "THE VIVIPAROUS QUADRUPEDS OF NORTH AMERICA."
Early in 1846 Baird wrote to Audubon:[213] "I have made drawings of the sculls of our quadrupeds which are at your service if you want them. They are Mink, Wild Cat, Ground Hog, Lepus Sylvaticus, Neotoma Floridana and others. I have got a Camera Lucida now and intend trying to draw with it. Anything I can do for you in this way will be cheerfully done." When he wrote again, towards the close of this year, some important events had happened, as shown by this letter:
Spencer Fullerton Baird to Audubon
Carlisle Nov. 4, 1846.
Dear Mr. Audubon
I have been intending to write for a long time, to find out how you all are at Minnie's Landing, and how yourself is particularly, but have put it off from time to time for various reasons. I can do so no longer, and must beg you to let me know these particulars.
Since my last visit to you, two pretty important events have happened to me. The first was getting married, the second, settling down steadily in my Professional chair.[214] My wife is the only daughter of Col. Churchill Inspector Gen. of the Army, now with Gen. Wool in Mexico. She suits me exactly, being as fond of birds & snakes & fishes etc. as myself. I have even given her a lesson or two in taxidermy.
My duties as professor consist in teaching Animal Physiology, Natural Theology & Mathematics. My salary is small $400 but I hope will be larger hereafter. I have to work hard, but that is good for me.
Please let me know how the quadrupeds get along. Is the first vol. published? How does John get along in England? What has become of his Texas birds?