Transcribe Lucas, F. A. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1882-01-13)

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although comparatively new birds fair to be the commonest species. Gerrard already quotes it at 2 pounda & </u P. afrods > at 3 pounds. By the way how came you to pay such a steep price for Rifle Bird as 12/.? Do not remember, but think Gerrard has them at 10/, and all I dared put on them was $4. & $4.50. Your alcoholics so far have arrived in fine condition the Hatteria being as good as one could ask for. Gerrard who has already had 10 Hatteria wishes more. Is he to have any more and if so at the same price? He complained about size, but I told him they were taken from among the largest . He replied why not "the larges" to which I made answer that from among the largest meant that they were as large as any. I was tempted to reflect upon his quibbling but restrained myself. Now it seems to me it might be well to tell him that you could supply no more for less than 3 pounds (3.) and would not guarantee size. Are they not worth it? As you surmise the stock of Skin Cats. is very low. I fully agree with you that the next lot should be more condense and am glad to see you coming around to my