RK-168

191

Racine July 21 - 1856

Dear "Bob" -

Your bird, the description of which you sen, is the American Phalarope Phalaropus Wilsonii, a rare bird and the eggs a great prize - don't forget to save one for me note down the date of the nest and all the circumstances attending the nest -

I am not positive that I ever saw the true botanic gamite here - might be a lean hawk half Norvia, E. proxima - Sent the specimen to Holbrook - have not heard from it -

So far as my observations go - the Garter Snakes do not devour insects or mice but live on tadpoles frogs, and small fish - Go now to some partly dry Swamp hole, and you will not fail to find E. utani - Sirtates & E Radix, industriously engaged in capturing tadpoles - with heads immersed in the mud and water the wiggle about until they feel a frog or tadpole, then they elevate the head an Swallow it immediately

and again commence the search – In our such pond I counted not less than thirteen all engaged in a similar manner – I dont think they merit protection from the farmer on account of any good deeds they may do – But the little Green Snake is entirely insectivorous – Should not be molested – Mice is certainly the food of the prairie rattlesnakes, I have known not less than five - large Arvicolas in the stomach of a single individual. – Were it not for their bite they would richly merit protection -

The subject is a good one and I hope to see an article in the Farmer on Snakes

The little spotted insect that the Setophaga Canata is trying to swallow is a species of Sphinx closely alied to the butterflies Sphinx. octomaculata in the New York St. Report – it certainly belongs to another generi but to the Sphengidae family.

I have just got a letter from Fitch in answer to a lot of “Millers” I sent – he named about one half. The Catacolas were not named

he recognized two new Species. We are making great headway in collecting Moths and beetles I will not fail to remember you are entitled to a specimen or two of each duplicate – Hope you have lots of new to exchange – I really wish you would bring your cousin up to Racine. I would try and interest her in some of the subjects of Nat History –

What is the little pink yarrow[double underline] you sent us, it is a beauty we think? I inclose a specimen –

Yours in great haste – hurried to death - P. R. Hoy

Robert Kennicott West Northfield