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[[stamp - SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION MAY 22 1866]]

Fork Yale B.C.
Mar. 30. 1866.

Dear Dall

I leave today for the North, where I shall spend the season with Conway: the time has not yet arrived for me to enter into the work of Natural Science with all my time and energy, for, in a pleasant conversation with Messrs Conway and Pitfield, I became convinced that I could make a better collection, and have facilities of travelling, and transportation for specimens, (which I could not have this season without much annoyance to the Co and myself) if I wait until the Line is completed. I therefore informed Mr. Conway that I would wait for a more fitting time for Natural History, and give him my services without restraint this season. He will do well by me. I shall have an opportunity to collect in a small way: I can easily take care of all the freshwater mollusks and land shells that I may meet with, and I shall do so, but till a proper time arrives for making a big collection I shall wait and give my whole heart to the construction of the line. I shall have a chance to make a large number of sketches, and will have the pleasure most likely of meeting Kennicott this next May.

Write me as usual care of W. U. T. Co. Quesnel Mouth, B.C.

Sincerely yours

H. W. Elliott.