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715/3  No.3, Dec 16

shells which he has never seen living, or collected in person; but work like Stimpson's on the east coast mollusks, going into every detail of every species thoroughly and carefully.
  Do not suppose that I undervalue Mr. Carpenters work; his errors are the inevitable consequence of describing from specimens only. Every West Coast conchologist will sustain me in this opinion. His work when completed 
[[strikethrough]] are sure [/strikethrough]] will be of immense value, for the mistakes are those which may be corrected by any field observer and all the rest is what is inaccessible to most of them, indeed all on the coast.
  I do not wish to make half way work, but would ^devote^ my time and strength in making the proper investigations for a thorough review of Mollusca of the Pacific north of Puget Sound.
  And if you consider it as incompatible with the interests of Natural History, I repeat I will readily give up my right and title to the results and endeavor to work as earnestly for Carpenter or any other, as if I was to receive the reward of my exertions.
  It may be that all this is unnecessary & your views are in correspondence with mine, in any ^case^ I will abide by your decision and
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