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have to remain long on the ground, it would be necessary to afford it some rough protection from the weather. The dip is on the wrong slope for natural drainage, but it would probably be some years before that would be of importance enough to require attention and it could then be easily remedied, Estimates can readily be furnished to show the force and expense required to work these beds to advantage. The scientific interests of this beautiful spot are very great, not only on account of its geographical position but because it affords a good collecting ground in every branch. ------------------------------------------------------- No. 2. Alcohol. It is respectfully recommended, that in case of purchasing alcohol for scientific or other uses it be procured in this (at the same cost.) as the loss by evaporation of this valuable article, when kept in the wood, as this season; is very great. -------------------------------------------------------- No. III. The snow shoes in use among the Kamchadales are of the Norwegian pattern, and the following dimensions. Length 5 feet four inches, width six inches, curve 11 inches, deflection three inches. Made of tough wood impossible to split, shaved thin and covered with dried seal skin with the fair on, fastened with flour paste and a few tacks at toe and heel. The sledge or Narka Tolat width 21 inches. runner 3 in wide, 9 feet long 16 in high Seat 8 in high, hoop 32 in. in the arch, Made of hard wood entirely without nails and lashed with raw hide. [end page] [start page] Extract from letter of Dec. 16. to Prof Baird. ----------------------------------------------- I see in a letter from Stimpson to R.K. which was here when we arrived; and which I opened according to K.'s directions; an observation to the effect that he was soon going to Washington and should endeavor to procure the academys share of the collections already made by us on the Expedition. Now it seems self evident to me that the collections of every kind, particularly the alcoholic ones, should be left positively untouched and undisturbed till our work is completed. If this is not done the unity and value of the observations and collections and notes, will be greatly and irreparably, impaired, and any publications made on these disturbed materials must necessarily be incomplete and unsatisfactory. Another matter chimes in with this which I shall mention for the first and only time. Since my arrival here, it has been said to me by several persons knowing the management of the Institution "Your collections of Mollusks will be sent of course to Carpenter." Now my ideas with regard to this disposition of this part of the collections are as follows It was a tacit understanding between Mr.
