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[[handwritten]] 6600 [[/handwritten]] [[stamped text]] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. OCT 11 1865 [[/stamped text]] [[handwritten]] Sitka. R.A. Aug 16. Dear Professor Baird, We send by the barque Clara Bell to Victoria V.I. a box containing some specimens from Sitka and some Indian curiosities and some very interesting specimens, which I gathered on the surface of the open sea 300 miles from land. I have made copious notes on them and I think they will prove interesting. If it should happen to come in your way, to procure any specimens of the Atlantic Janthina Fragilis, Auc. [[area under the curve]] in alcohol, before I get back pray do so, (or any other Janthinas) as I think I have struck an interesting thing; but will wait, as I may be mistaken. I have marked on the labels [[/handwritten]] [[/handwritten]]
Transcription Notes:
A 'barque' is a sailing ship, typically with three masts.
'Janthina' is a genus of small to medium-sized pelagic or planktonic sea snails.
Auc. is Area Under the Curve when storing in alcohol