Transcribe Baker, Arthur B. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1883-09-14)

nwh Banner, Trego Co., Kansas. Sept. 14, 1883. Dear Prof. Ward,

       Your card of the 10th reached

me yesterday. I am still at the same place as when I last wrote, and find it the most agree- able of any of which I have yet stopped. The people make some attempt at civilized style of living.

       The "bluffs" are distant from here 4 mis I have

put in about a week of work there - the first regular collecting I have done. My pony takes me there after breakfast; I work till noon; then rest in P. M. Have taken out a head and 12 or 15 vertebrae of a fish covering a slab 20 in. square; have it at the house and am using my spare time in clearing away the rock. Have also taken out a reptile head about 3ft. 6in. x 2ft. - jaw 15in. long with teeth from 1/4 in. to 21/4 in. long. The bones are of course much out of place. Vertebrae are biconcave. If my success could continue as good I should be well satisfied; but that cannot be expected.

       I have taken several "Prairie Dogs", and made them

into skeletons, as the pelage, though somewhat im- proved, is not yet in best condition. Do you want any skeletons of Sp?/ Shufeldt's monograph might possibly call for some.

       Cold weather begins here about Dec. 1st. I hope

by that time to be able to return east, but should not be surprised if it were necessary for me to remain longer. I have thought some of wintering in New Mex ico in that case, as that territory is said to have a fine winter climate. I am steadily gaining, but it is slow - somewhat disappointing to me, though I have no reason to feel discouraged

       I received a letter yesterday from Henry, written

at Sterling, Montana: also a copy of new Egg catalogue with a note from Mr. Frank Ward, saying that no egg