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Milwaukee Nov 19. 1856
Dear Sir
The root the old trappers call wild potatoe is Apios tuberosa a vine that grows in the rich ground about marshes &c, though it is not an aquatic plant like the Saggittaria. I never saw one as big as a "large" potatoe - gess your trapper exagerated a little. The ususal size is that of a "small" potatoe say an inch or inch and a half in diameter. The tubers are usually enlarged portions of the under=ground stems [picture drawn]
I am glad you have taken up the subject of the mammals - But I do not see how I can help you - My City locality does not admit of making collections of this kind. - I know of but one cat=tail here, the Typha latifolia - but there are is another (T. angustifolia) a small species rarely found - Perhaps you have it. Mr. Binney I believe confines his attention to the "Air Breathing Terrestrial Mollusks." - this includes slugs & snails - succinea, Bulimus, &c -
If you can get an appropriation, I will aid you in the botanical department, if I can make it consistent with other engagements. You will see by the "Catalogue" I have sent that I am pretty well posted in your botany already. By-the-by would it be practicable to have this catalogue printed by itself - perhaps some of those liberal minded citisens of Chicago would take it in hand.
Very truly yours I. A. Lapham
Robert Kennicott Esq.