RK-195

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Boston Oct. 25^th 1856

Robert Kennicott Esq-

Dear Sir-

Yesterday morning I mailed for you one or two pamphlets on conchology, which will, I trust, prove acceptable. Unfortunately I have no plates to send along with the 1^st No. of my fathers "Monography.". The papers were tied together extempore to suit the letter of the Postage law.

Your favor of the 12^th was sent on to me from home. Many thanks for your offer of the land shells of your vicinity. They will be most acceptable - It will give me great pleasure to label any of your land shells - those of Florida I know well - Even if they are to be deposited at the Smithsonian, I would like to

have a look at them.

The shells in alcohol would be interesting if rare, or from rare localities Most of the more commoner species have been dissected. Can you not tell me what they are?

I am very little acquainted with our marine (excepting New England) specie, or the Pluiratile. But to save you trouble, would take pains to have any correctly labelled by others.

The best thing I can do for you is to use my influence with those to whom my father's will gives the distribution of his great work to have you numbered amoug the recipients. The numbers of copies is very limited, the applicants numerous, but I will do my best.

You say you can only assist Science by helping others - allow me to

doubt this. You must commence yourself - A catalogue, with a few notes of locality and habitat &c. of the shells found by you, published in the proceedings of the B. S. N. History would be of interest to us all. I will assist you all I can, and see that it is properly published. Think of it -

I shall return this week to Germantown -

I think I told you that my address by Express (things too heavy for mail) in care of WH Sowers - No. 141 Market Str. Philadelphia -

I remain, Sir, yours very truly W.G. Binney