Transcribe Lucas, Fred A. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1883-01-19)

nwh Washington. Jan 19/83 Dear Prof. Ward.

       Herewith I send you my lists

of Mexican and Central American mammals and Birds. With the Mammals I have wrestled long and laboriously, gathering them from many sources like a second Noah. The Birds are from Sclater and Sabin's list. Mr. Stearne ought to recognize the N. A. species at a glance. I am not familiar with them but where my suspicions were aroused you will find a ? You may or may not find my estimates on the birds too high, but I think if I have erred it is in overestimating them; still that is the safer side. The mammals are not priced and it will be excellent practice for an assistant, especially if he be low-priced and probably permanent, to put on prices with the aid of your catalogue and bill book. The common names are "stickers". A great many have none; some I took from various sources and some are evolved from my own inner concious- ness - provided I have such an article, which is somewhat doubtful. As to the remuneration that I will leave with you. The coping cost me $3.55