Transcribe Hornaday, W. T. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1883-08-22)

ybg Washington. Aug 22nd 1883

                        "    26

Dear Professor: -

    We cannot finish our Orang group

without some orang hair to patch up. We don't need very much, but what we do need, we need 'mighty bad! Can't you help me out? If you never mount that big spoiled skin, which I think you never will, (for if you do </u all > the hair will come off), cannot you send it to me to cut hair from and allow me to return it when my patching is done for similar purposes at your shops ? I think we would not cut it very closely. . The two big orange are the ones that need the repairs. In some places their plumage got very much rumpled in their preignuations, & the trees are a total wreck. Never mind. I have a baby orang at last, - got the skin of Sr Wilder's specimen by exchange, & it mounted beautifully.

    If you can conscientiously do anything for

us in the way of hair, I will be under personal obligations. I have not the cheek to ask any favors of you in the name of the Institution at present ! Please let me hear soon. I want to finish the group entirely by </u Sept 1st >. Yours very truly, W. T. Hornaday.