Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Smith Barton, 17 November 1805

Philadelphia, 17th. of november, 1805.

Sir

In the month of June, last, I did myself the honor to forward for your perusal, Mr. Pearson’s printed paper on a peculiar manure. If the paper be at Washington, I shall esteem it a favor if you will send it, under cover, to my Brother, Richard P. Barton, who resides near Winchester, in Virginia. He is a good farmer, and anxious to see the paper. Or, if more agreeable to you, it may be returned to me, in Philadelphia.

I have seen, but have not yet had time to examine with sufficient attention, the animal collection of Capt. Lewis. The bird is, unquestionably, Corvus Pica, which I find inhabits Hudson’s-Bay. I take the Parrot to be the Arctomys Citillus, common in the north of Asia, and even known, before, to be a native of our western coast. I long to see the large horns of a shearing Sheep. I doubt not, this will prove to be the Taye of California, described and figured by Venegas, in 1757.

With great respect, I remain, Sir, Your very obedient and humble servant, &c.,

B. S. Barton

DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.

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