^#298 ^Lot 316 Robert Stroud

Imprisoned for murder at the age of 18, Robert Stroud (1890–1963) spent more than 54 years in jail (47 in isolation), where he became a self-educated authority on birds and bird diseases and author of an important reference, Stroud’s Digest of the Diseases of Birds, published in 1942. ALS signed “Bob, Robert Stroud, #594,” and once at the top in the return address area, “Robert Stroud,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 8 x 10.5, June 13, 1952. Letter to his friend, bird breeder Fred E. Daw. In part: “Tell Osman that the bird with an overgrown beak is suffering from an upset metabolism which I believe most often due to a deficiency in vitamins A and D. I have had some doves improve under treatment with cod liver oil, and the condition can be brought about by feeding birds on a diet known to be deficient in those two vitamins—but I have never had such a bird that ever amounted to anything, altogether I have by proper diet gotten good chicks from them, but never a high rate of production…You do not have to argue with me to convince me about the keets talking, for I have known many such birds, altogether I think that the cockateel [sic] make a better talker than the keet.” Framed so both sides are visible to an overall size of 11.5 x 14. Intersecting folds, pencil notations to first page, and small adhesive remnant to top border on reverse, otherwise fine condition.