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[stamped upside down] J. Kennicott Brenton Collections

Racine May 23 - 1855

Dear Bob,

Your package came to hand and I am sorry to say
the frogs and salamanders were not kicking - all dead - not enough
moisture - the opossom Skins will make a quite good specimens - greatly
obliged. You will find the catalogue accompanying — I am sorry
you had no skin of the white footed mouse that you find under the
trees — I should much prize a specimen for comparison —

I must tell you about my Frogery - for you must know I have
a private establishment of this sort — My success is so complete
that I can raise frogs, salamanders &c to any extent desired —
I spend much time most agreeably observing the behavior of these
aquatic pets — Indeed my success is so gratifying, that I must
describe it to you — I have a reservoir water tight 3 & 8 ft - into
this I transferred a part of a shallow grassy pond with all its
wonderful swarm of buisy life — salamanders - frogs - water-beetles
the larvea of mosquitoes gnats ephemora dragon flies &c& —
in addition to these I transplated a portion of the various
aquatic plants found growing in the pond - this vegitable element
I consider absolutely indespensible to complete the circle,
to purify the water and keep the animals in health — Here I
have a miniature world all in the enjoyment of perfect health and activity
the gramnivorous feeding on the plants and multiplying abundantly
the carnivorous keep up a constant warfare on these and each
other to their exceeding enjoyment for war is their trade —