Transcribe Lucas, Frederic A. (Frederic Augustus). Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1881-04-21)

Rochester, NY Apr 21, 1881 Dear Prof. Ward.

The last Cambridge shipment reached there safely and was satisfactory. The next one will contain a number of fine birds, but it is impossible to even give a guess at to what it will amount to. William, Wood, and Webster are turning out birds pretty rapidly. Besides those stuffed for M.C.Z. quite a number have been stuffed for stock and the gaps are well filled up. It looks as if Martens would not be back, at least not soon. Have not seen him since he left, but hear that he is doing very well. Next week we hope to begin the maceration; but it is still pretty cold and we may have to postpone it a little. The Elephant assumes shape daily and will look I think extremely fine. It is pretty hard work and both Bailly and Hornaday express themselves to that effect in the most emphatic manner. Prof. Allen selected a number of specimens from Schneider's list & they were promptly ordered from S. The value of skins selected from those Gerrard sent an approval was £35, from first order £20, Skeletons are quiet at present but there have been several inquiries after,