Transcribe McNiel, John. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1876-04-14)

The Great Ant Eater, Great Ant Bear or Meconphaga Zerbata, are found here but they are rarely met with. Judging from the small number of their Skins seen here, in proportion to skins of other animals. I recollect of but 3. - 2 of which I now have. The natives tell me, a full grown one is as large as a small horse - 300 to 400 lbs. taking this, cum gravo salios' I suppose 150 to 200 lbs. I will continue to keep agitating the subject until I succeed in supplying what is wanted. But I can not say definitely what they will cost. In case I should send all my collections to you; do you propose to leave such material as is mainly desirable for curios or ornamental purposes in NY City to be under charge and Sto- nd by your agts and thus save for the transportation and accommodate East- tern dealers, or place them all in Rochester? It makes but little differ- ence to me , so that unnecessary. ex pense is avoided. And after freight,