RK-019

Aunt Carries Feb 7" Friend Robert It was with much pleasure that I received a line from you, although I had heard from you often rhrough the medium of your letters to brothers, sisters &c. I am happy to hear that you are successful in your attempts to gain a thorough knowledge of Natural History, hope you will succeed beyond your most sanguine expectations. I should like very much to see some of your preserved specimens . suppose you have spoiled twenty (think that was the number) & consequently proficient in that branch of your study. What kinds of birds have you stuffed? pleas give a few particulars. Do you attend many lectures? We have had some very cold weather this winter but we enjoy it very well, have had some fine times skating and some very

pleasant sleigh rides. Went to Chicago week from last Saturday in the cars. Monday uncle Will, aunt Carrie and Amasa came in, and in the evening we all came out accompanied by Netty Mr Welch & Laura, and it being a beautiful day you can image how well was enjoyed our sleigh ride (snow being all off the ground.)

Mr Welch and Laura returned to C--- the next day and left for home a few days after. Laura disliked to go very much. Netty remained with us a week and yesterday aunt Carrie, her children, Alice, Cora, Emma, Amasa and myself went with her to the depot, had a very pleasant time.

Our school prospers very well, has changed but little since you left.

Olive Mitchel, Betsy Hague, Hattie Boyse and Edwin Strong have entered and Charles & Joseph Rogers have left for a school in their own district and Maria Gage for the same school for reasons best known to herself. We have as many as we can accommodate

without desks. An examining committee in the shape of grandfather Philips visited us a few weeks since, he gave the school a lecture which pleased the boys[underlined] very much. I read the paragraph to Mrs Rogers that you wrote for her benefit, her face flushed a little for she happened be studying that same book at the time. She wished me to give you her best respects and say that she was much obliged for the compliment and that she should continue ^{to study} Sander's until there was less need of it than at present. Ann thinks she will have that pleasure for some time. Speaking of brevity, I like it very much but I must say I think it would be quite as agreeable practiced in some other way than in writing to friends. Aunt Carrie wishes me to give you her best respects and when I am sending the kisses to send a friendly one for her. All send respect. Yours in haste Robert Miss B