RK-124

Racine Dec. 29- 1855

Dear Bob,

Thank you for your Christmas well wishes, - Happy New Years to you and Sisters - in exchange -

I am perfictly willing for you to copy my article in the Patent office report - You may alter the name to Prairie Ground Squirrel - also in third line for ravines, alter to Prairies. Second line for Lamias lysteri - read Tamias lysteri - .

I should like to have the number containing the article? -

I kept a pet Gray gopher - S. Franklinii but was not able to force it to eat flesh consequently I conclude that they do not kill mice but are strictly vegitable feeders - like the Prairie dog to which they are closely alike.

They bring forth 6 at a litter - I should call him Prairie Gray Squirrel. I met with this species - in Missouri - They are Nowhere a numerous animal - They migrate, and are more or less gregarious

[stamped] J. Kennicott Brenton Collections

I will try and pen you a short article some time? - on some Nat History Subject for the Farmer -

Doo come and bring your Sisters with you - Cant you come next week?-

I hope that Flea will not be dangerous that you have in your Ear -

The boxes Sent by Kirtland are all Coleoptera - I would like to See Leconts boxes and if you will forward them by Express I will pay the charges and return them to you - or cant you bring them -

Albert Mrs Hoy unite with me in wishing you all sorts of happiness-

Your P. R. Hoy

Dr - R. Kennicott -