The summer and autumn of 1846 bore heavily on John Bachman, subject as he then was to a "thousand calls and interruptions," and "bowed down, and almost distracted, with anxieties and grief."[211] But the first volume of the letterpress which had given him so much trouble was finished in November, and was published by Audubon at the close of this year. It was at once recognized as a standard and authoritative work, which was then without a competitor in America, and as Louis Agassiz affirmed, without an equal in Europe. At the time of its issue the twentieth number of the folio illustrations was nearly ready; the text itself had 271 subscribers, calling for 281 copies,[212] though only the eastern cities had then been canvassed. [Illustration: TITLE PAGE OF VOLUME I OF THE ENGLISH EDITION OF THE TEXT OF "THE VIVIPAROUS QUADRUPEDS OF NORTH AMERICA."] Early in 1846 Baird wrote to Audubon:[213] "I have made drawings of the sculls of our quadrupeds which are at your service if you want them. They are Mink, Wild Cat, Ground Hog, _Lepus Sylvaticus_, _Neotoma Floridana_ and others. I have got a Camera Lucida now and intend trying to draw with it. Anything I can do for you in this way will be cheerfully done." When he wrote again, towards the close of this year, some important events had happened, as shown by this letter: _Spencer Fullerton Baird to Audubon_ CARLISLE _Nov. 4, 1846_. DEAR MR. AUDUBON I have been intending to write for a long time, to find out how you all are at Minnie's Landing, and how yourself is particularly, but have put it off from time to time for various reasons. I can do so no longer, and must beg you to let me know these particulars. Since my last visit to you, two pretty important events have happened to me. The first was getting married, the second, settling down steadily in my Professional chair.[214] My wife is the only daughter of Col. Churchill Inspector Gen. of the Army, now with Gen. Wool in Mexico. She suits me exactly, being as fond of birds & snakes & fishes etc. as myself. I have even given her a lesson or two in taxidermy. My duties as professor consist in teaching Animal Physiology, Natural Theology & Mathematics. My salary is small $400 but I hope will be larger hereafter. I have to work hard, but that is good for me. Please let me know how the quadrupeds get along. Is the first vol. published? How does John get along in England? What has become of his Texas birds? Please to tell me the address of your friend Ayres. I have been collecting fishes for some weeks, and wish to correspond & exchange with him on this subject. I can send him a good many species.