Letter from the Robinson Family papers, dated 1870-09-07

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Bloomfield Sept. 7th 1870

Friend Robinson

I received the Woodpecker all right, and it was in very good condition. I opened the head on the side took out the brains and eyes and made a skin of it. I was very glad to have it as I had not got one in my collection. It is the Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus Principalis). They are found the most in the large track sof heavy timber in the Southern States. They are plenty of them in Iowa and other western states. It is only straglers that get in the Eastern States. I also received the Butcher

Last edit 3 months ago by MaryV
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bird or Great North American Shrike (Colbyrio Borealis). I wrote to you the same night I received the Shrike and gave the letter to a boy to post and I do not think he mailed it as you have not received it. The bird was a [underline]young Male[/underline] that was [underline]moulting[/underline], the wings and tail being very short on that account. They do not get their full growth until the following Spring after they are hatched. By that time the head gets larger and the beak much longer and stronger. I should be very glad of any birds that are not common here when the weather is cold enough to keep them. If you should have any thing in the way of Taxidermy you want mounted send it along and I will mount it for you.

Last edit 3 months ago by MaryV
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when you take the body out of a bird leave the first leg bone in it (that is) the thigh bone. Turn the thigh inside out and clean the flesh off the bone and then return it.

unjoint it here [illustration] This is the way the bone looks when turned in side out and cleaned. The birds were skined good enough to stuff. When skining birds use plenty of Indian meal to soak up the moisture that comes from the body and that will keep the feathers dry and nice. When skining a bird cut all the little cords that hold the skin on the body and [underline[pull[/underline] the skin from the body with the [underline]nails[/underline] and fingers, you will find it very easy

Last edit almost 2 years ago by catslover
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with a little practice. I have shot a good many birds this Summer. I am now making some stools and Decoy ducks for the snipe and ducks this fall. Hoping to hear from you again. I remain Yours Truly

Joseph H. Batty

P.O. Box 36 Bloomfield N.J.

Last edit 3 months ago by MaryV
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