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Needs Review

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204

Answered May 7th

Boston April 10th 1856.

Dear Sir.

Yours favor has just been received and finds me unable on account of the in-flamed state of my eyes to write you in person. I hasten however to send you such information as I am able in reply to your interrogations. In the first place in regard to the Societry Journal several of the back numbers are wanting and cannot be procurred at any price. I have no doubt that the Society would be willing to send you copies of such numbers as they are supplied with in exchange for such a collection of the natural objects of Illinois as you propose. I could hardly be able to obtain an outright gift for you, but I would have no difficulty if in return for a donation of such interest and value. At the next meeting if I am able to attend I will propose your name as a corresponding member when you will receive gratuitiously a copy of the proceedings of the Society, a distinct publication from its Journal. In regard to your obtaining

Last edit 7 months ago by The Grove National Historic Landmark
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Needs Review

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through others the nests and eggs of birds which you do not know I will be glad to have it done because there are not many which I should not be able to recognize, and the few which might remain unknown, though unsatisfactory as labor thrown away would still do no harm while valuable and interesting duplicates might be obtained. In regard to packing nests and eggs it is very easy to pack the eggs themselves, if carefully blown so that they may be transported with safety. You have only carefully to wrap up each egg seperately in a [illegible] of cotton and to fill the box sufficiently full to prevent motion. Nests are more difficult to pack, nor is it best to try to preserve many of them. unless they are new or interesting from any peculiarity. The more elaborately made nests pack very readily, but it is hardly possible to keep together the more loosely constructed.

The facts you mention in regard to the plotus wood ibis and black throated loon are interesting and curious. I shall certainly make a note of them, and put them on record at the next meeting of our society. Just now I

Last edit 7 months ago by The Grove National Historic Landmark
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Needs Review

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am most in want of our birds of prey The eggs of the American Goshawk; the pigeon hawk and the swallow-tailed hawk if they ever breed about you would be most acceptable The eggs of any hawk or owl however would hardly fail to add somewhat to our present knowledge.

Do the wild pigeons ever breed in your neighbourhood? if so, a number of their eggs would be valuable for exchange.

l am greatly indebted to you for your attention in writing me, shall be most happy to hear from you. Whenever you have anything to write, and will be happy to send you in any way in my power.

Yours very truly, T. M. Brewer.

Last edit 7 months ago by The Grove National Historic Landmark
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