Transcribe Hornaday, W. T. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1883-06-10)

    I persuaded Lucas to write up the S. A. T. meeting

& Ex. because it fairly made me </u sick > </s of > to think of writing another page for the Society. I simply </u could not do it , > I am </u tired > of the Society, and must have rest from it. I will give anybody $15. who will take my papers and from them write my Secre- tary's Report for last year.

    I gave the </u Century > article into Lucas hands

(price $50.) in cold blood, because I felt that he had worked hard for the Society and got very small returns and I felt that it was his due. I think it was wisely done. At the same time Mr Harroun, publisher of </u Mastery >, was at me to write a series of 4 </u short > articles on Stuffing a Bird, for his little paper. I told him "No" three times and he gave me a week after getting home to reconsider and name my price. Needing the money I undertook it and an hour ago finished Article No. 4 and last. price for the series $40.

    When I was in bed last week with a carbuncle

the Editor of the </u Companion > wrote for two articles about Odd Pets, to be done immediately. I wrote one as I lay on my back., and when I was able to stand I drew the sketch for it </u on the mantle piece ! > I leave you to refer where my carbuncle was.

    Lucas has taken hold of the Secretaryship. in fine

style & tip-top spirits, which is a continual source of comfort to me. He has taken the whole thing right off my hands, & is running it well.

    I </u hope > to get my book done in time for the

holidays , & am working to that end. As soon as it goes </s off > out of my hands I will take hold of