p. 3

1069
-1229-

1864.

Do you take any interest in sea shells? I am trying to get up a set of the shells of Maine for Tufts college. I can try to send you marine shells if you wish.

I am an omnivorous collector and nothing comes amiss. I have given some attention to mosses and lichens and have lots of the latter, but am bothered in my studies for the lack of means and books.***

It is now in my power to exchange with a Cuban naturalist***. If you have any western-[nat] shells in number enough to warrant, I shall be glad to have you put in with me and take part in exchange.

Pardon my delay. A clergyman don't have much time to spare, and the Holidays always make me a great deal of extra work. With many, many thanks for your kindness I am,

Yours sincerely,

E.C. Bolles.

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Milwaukee March 8, 1864.

Robert Kennicott, Esq.

Dear Sir,-

Some friend has sent me a Chicago paper from which I am rejoiced to learn of your success: and I can not help writing to congratulate you thereon. it is to be hoped that so good a beginning may be wisely conducted so that it may grow to be one of the most useful and important institutions in our land. To secure this allow me to suggest a financial policy for adoption.

Let every dollar now subscribed be invested in the bonds of the U.S. or of some Northwestern State and make it an unalterable and fundamental law of the establishment that only nine tenths