RK-260

Memoranda for Editorial

[paragraph struck out] Having spent [illegible] several years in collecting and studying the animals of northern Illinois I Mr K now wishes to extend his investigations into the southern part of the state, the animals of which differ essentially from those of northern Illinois -

The Northwestern University in undertaking thus to investigate the Natural History of the whole North west - is doing for Illinois what the state has too long neglected to do - and the university deserves great credit for this laudable enterprise - Any assistance given this collection by our citizens will be for their own interest - for certainly we want to know something of Gods creation as found about us – To hunt up point out and describe the innumerable species of mammals birds reptiles and fishes whic insects ^{and other animals} etc which swarm in our fat land of "[illegible]" ^{with the plants and minerals} is the object of this present enterprise ^{in this region}. At the University it is proposed to have specimens of every living thing, so far as can be procured, preserved in such manner as to be recognizable; and all named classified and open for free inspection – Thus if any one should wish to know all the animals plants or minerals of [illegible] Marion co he could at once see them here – and could learn too the nature of each – if an animal whether useful or injurious to the farmer – what its food habits and so on – But it is not alone

to form a museum that this collection is made – So soon as the animals are collected books will be written – More attention is now paid to Natural History than formerly and one day ^soon cheap books on natural history can be placed in the hands ^{within the reach} of any farmer –

We would urge our readers to preserve this copy ^{no of the} paper carefully and read the circular attentively, referring to it whenever in doubt as to what is wanted, And then to secure and send to this office, or to some of the other places mentioned every specimen they can procure – This thing is worthy of much assistance and encouragement. - Let Southern Illinois be well represented in so praiseworthy an enterprise. G C g c