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Racine March 22 1857
Dear Bob
Last night came those insects from Lecont - Oh! what a lot. you have three long Segar boxes full. I, one, but I noticed one thing in his catalogue , that in my collection there are considerably more marked - not named in my one box than in your three - yet there are quite a number so indicated in your box
They came in good order excepting two boxes; one of which was mine, which were broken but the insects escaped wonderfully. We have got some of yours arranged - you will have a fine collection - all but the moths and butterflies which are badly abused. I have not yet sent off the Libilulida to Prof. Uhler I will do so soon, and at the same time I will send the Hemoptera
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to Dr. Morris or as many as I judge proper - I will send some of mine at the same time.
Oh; did you get those Pins I sent to you - I recieved your letter last night. the No. of the Boston Natural history proceedings, will be here tomorrow - Thank you -
I am sorry to hear that your health is not good - That Pat. office article was rather a severe task, for a firt trial I fear - Be careful of your health, keep your feet dry - or if you wet them put on dry socks and shoes immediately - one thing as long as your health continues feeble dont fish either for frogs or fish as that sport subjects you to exposure that would not be advisable. One other point if I were in your place I should never use Tobacco or an artificeal stimulant I don't believe it is for the good of any one much less a person of your ardent nervous temperament - let the vile thing alone[double underline]
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I have not caught any Der Mice since you left – but I know where they are and I propose in a few days to give them fits[double underline] – I shall save you specimens – I have only one or two skins of the H. Bairdii or I would send them to you – The other day I got a Dekays Shrew – You can have his skin if you wish – I found a nest of young A. Austerus on the 15 of Feb March
I was on the prairie yesterday had my gun with me Shot four Snow Bunting, shall save their skins or at least two of them – Heard the firt blue bird – firt Red Wing – 1st Meadow Lark – Saw hundreds of Thousands[double underline] of Lapland Longspurs!!!! Aint that a whopper Dont be too certain, or if you are anxious I will take fifty thousand.
Regards for all – Dont forget Alice – tell her to write us a letter - P.R. Hoy
Dr R. Kennicott -