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National Museum
Oct 22 1881

Prof S F Baird
Dear Sir  The examination which was made yesterday of the Catlin collections shows that they have been for a long time exposed to the sooty atmosphere of London and are much injured by insects. They will require much cleansing and restoration of lost portions all of which should precede the operation of poisoning. I have no doubt but that Mr Schuerman will do all he can to save as much of the material as possible, but the preliminary cleaning and repairs seem to require the services of an expert, who can work in leather after the Indian practice, repair the beadwork and porcupine quill embroidery, and do something to replace the original softness of the [[dressed?]] skin by an oleaginous or saponaceous application. The [[mass?]] of material to be operated on is very large and requires the attention of some one person. I would suggest that application be made to the schools of Hampton or of Carlisle where such a person may be known to Capt Pratt, or if not Dr Dawson of Montreal could give the needed information. The collections are of great historical value and their preservation would seem to sanction the necessary expenditure.
Respectfully
E Foreman