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Big-grove, Audubon Co Iowa, May 1^st/'57

Mr Kennicott Sir

Being as I am, in
this new, and comparatively wild
region, and having great interest
in the study of Zoology, I shall end-
eavor to render your insipiant Muse-
um some assistance the ensuing
Summer and Fall! I have already
made some collection; for my own
benefit, – A few practical hints
on taxidermy would be of
great service in preserving
the skins of the various kinds
of animals of the Missouri
Valley, which are very numerous
and some, I have not been able
to ^find any description of whatever
The skulls of ^the different tribes of
Indians can be easily obtained
and even their whole skeletin
if needed, Elk & deer horns of