page_0001

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.