RK-663

[printed letterhead] No. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. [written] Sunday Dec 18 [printed] 18 [written] 58

Dear Bruno.

I heard with great sorrow of your unhappy accident with the lead. reckon you wished it had been all in your eye in another sense. But it will give you a good chance to test your pluck and patience. Poor consolation better than none tho maybe youd say you’d rather forego the opportunity rather than have the hurt.

I hear good accounts of your learning – I knew youd never fail to pitch in when the time came – Do you have to lick Poddy into keeping out of danger now?

I want bothe you and Paoddy to learn all you can and if you are sharp and I get to be state Zoölogist Ill have a chance to take you round the State pretty much

How would you like to help shoot birds or catch bugs way down in “Cayrio”?

Just saw old Buck [sketch of a cannon, for “Buchanan” (US President)] go by on his way to church just opposite – He is acomical cock eyed old chap – Dont like him much –

Yes, I dont go to see Miss Bettie much now. Am curing that[underlined] by Counter irritants rapidly – think Ill be sweet on Miss Helen Henry as Stimpson likes one of her sisters and Hayden the other twill be handy to visit together – But I dont get much time for such things now after a while will be less hurried by winter – wish I had collected more common reptiles about home last year. Ill get a large 20 gallon copper tank next year into which we'll hop all sorts wont we wake snakes and soak em eh? – Bob