Transcribe Allen, J. A. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1886-12-04)

have the credit of securing specimens of one of the rarest and most interesting of mammals. Still I find it difficult to frame an answer to your inquiries, as I am unable to consult with the "powers that be " in reference to the matter. Yet I think I can safely say that I can arrange to have the Museum buy one or two specimens (probably a pair) on the conditions of your offer. The Smithsonian specimen is the only one extant in Muse- ums, & this has never been described in detail, though mentioned & figured by Elliott in </u Science > (Vol. III, p. 752).