Transcribe Waterhouse, F. G. Letter to Smith, J. W. (1874-09-05)

nwh 5 Sept^n^. 18774 J W Smith Esq J P,

 etc   etc      etc

Dear Sir

        I much regret being absent 

when you called I was busy with Dr. Schorhurgk on the matter of collecting specimens of natural history _ With respect to the Dugong (Halicore Australis) the species found on our coasts is according Professor Owen peculiar but is only found in or near the tropical parts _ In Western Australia on the North West coast they are abundant and the skins are being tanned and found to be excellent in quality - At present it would be difficult to procure skeletons as from experience I find that people engaged in procuring skins do not care to