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Eds Times & Delta

Gentlemen – When any one makes a public mis statement and finds himself in error it becomes him to make an early retraction correct himself at once –

In an [illegible] a note ^{added to} to the circular of the Northwestern University ^{which you were so kind to publish} I stated that through your paper, that the only poisonous reptiles known in Illinois were the Rattlesnakes and copperhead – Since These two ^{Rattlesnakes (several species) and the copperhead} with the moccassin snake of the south are the only poisonous venomous reptiles known in the union, and as the moccassin is considered to be strictly a southern species I thought it impossible that it could exist as far north as this - But southern Illinois possesses a wonderful climate But ^{last season} while on a visit in the Mississip bottom in Union Co ^{last year} I was undecieved by the production a person who brought me a most indubitable big ^ugly moccassin – here called “cotton mouth” - generally I believe - while a ^{large and ugly but} harmless water snake goes under the ^incorrect name of “Moccassin” – Upon examination I find this species – - (the venomous moccasin or cottonmouth Toxicophis piscavoris of book the books) - to be rather common in ^some of the lakes and creeks of southern Illinois and it is doubtless found from here southward to the Gulf but ^though it is certainly unknown

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in the northern part of this state.

To congratulate the inhabitants of south Illinois on having among them [illegible] a do venomous reptile unknown farther north would be a thing of doubtful propriety; but the cause of the presence of this southern species is may be a very just subject of congrat ulation. This cause is the wonderful climate of southern Illinois. In truth no better evidence need is wanted to fully prove the great warmth of your climate than the fact that here are found many reptiles, birds, insects, etc and other animals restricted to latitudes much farther south in the regions to the east and west. Two years since I saw the southern wood Ibis in abundance through ^your southern counties; and on the Cache Bottom Mr Geo Parr of Cairo (to whom ^by I was ^am was much indebted for valuable assistance in ^{making collections} collections ^{you the} animals of so of ^your animals) pointed out to me the Snake Bird - ^[illegible] called (Plotus anhinga) ^of which, he informed me, he had seen several specimens; these are southern semi-tropical birds and only found in very warm regions. And The f plants as well as animals of "Egypt" southern Illinois are of the same southern character.

But to return to the reptiles – I retract my statement that the rattlesnakes and copperhead are the only ^poisonous reptiles found in southern Illinois – And, ^moreover, having paid the

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first man furnishing the a specimen ^the $5. ^offered according to g agreement, would of course have it understood that the opportunity of getting that [down arrow over up arrow] by furnishing this species is lost – tho’ I would be we would be very glad to recieve at the university ^{a donation of} any number of alcoholic specimens of this reptile as they would be valuable for exchange – But I reiterate ^repeat that the only venomous reptiles known in the Union ^{United States} are the various rattlesnakes with the copperhead and moccassin – the latter being called “cotton mouth” here; ^{(though why it should be called “cotton mouth” I cannot tell} And I continue ^{for I can find nothing that resembles cotton about its ugly head and mouth} my offer of $10 to the first person who will furnish me ^produce any poisonous species ^{venomous reptile} besides these found native in Illinois.

I would remark this ^mention in relation to the cotton mouth a moccassin (“cotton mouth”) that it is remarkable for its want of pugnacity ^{showing less inclination to bite than even harmless garter snakes or [illegible]} and on this account I am inclined to think persons are very seldom bitten by it. Two specimens which I observed alive could not by any amount of teasing be induced to strike at a stick bite – they merely threw back the upper jaw and erected the fangs ^{The venom is doubtless as dry active as that of a rattlesnake -} when they do bite however I cannot imagine see why this species has been called “cotton mouth” I certainly can find nothing about its ugly jaws to head or mouth to m that resembles cotton -

I am grateful for your kind notice of our endeavors at the Northwestern University to investigate the [illegible]

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natural History of this region. The Northwestern University if it recieves the assistance and encouragement due ^to its liberal efforts, will carry on a series of investigations that should interest every farmer and friend to science and education in the country –

I trust that the some of the citizens of southern Illinois will take ^have enough desire to know something of Gods creation about them to assist the Northwestern University in its present undertaking. Any Such may be assured that the slightest any contributions ^{of specimens} from them, no matter how trifling, will be of assistance and perhaps of much importance.

Any persons in southern Illinois kind enough to make coll furnish ^collect specimens may leave them at Cairo with Mr. Abbott Station Agent I.C.R.R. Mr Geo Parr I.C.R.R. or Dr Wood; at Jonesboro with Drs Hacker or Brooke and at Anna with Dr H McVean Col L W Ashley or Judge Cochrane

With Respect Yours Respectfully yours Robert Kennicott