RK-085

Bee Hive July 3rd 1855

Alice & Co (Cora not company)

Small girls, I Do not go away this week Ive not yet finished with that speccimen of the "Natural Productions" of Southern Ill. - the ague All the rest of the folk are well. except one of the owls who has got a pain in his big toenail. I believe smallest small girl's birds are well but I saw the young one shake himself yesterday. Is that a bad symptom?

They expect to have a "i ole time" at Uncle will's tomorrow night. I think it will be a beastie. (that is a bore)

The Boyden girls were here last week. Of course the major was very hard at work while they staid

I have skinned a few birds - If you can find any mice put them in alcohol but first remove the intestines by a small hole in the abdomen. Be on the look out for bugs of all kinds. Get some of the many legged worms (myriapoda) while at Gowanda. Show Will how to collect things. I want lots of mice frogs small snakes ^(fish) every thing that lives tell him. Get some shells if you see any handy but don't spend too much time collecting. Enjoy

yourselves all you can and learn all you can Open your eyes & ears big. Go around a good deal of (Always though where aunt maria thinks proper) Don't be too bashful to visit anyone you want to. Remember you are as good as anybody else if you behave yourselves properly. Apropros of this Don't forget that you are small girls. It would be ridiculous for you to wish to dress or appear like women. Don't wear to too many rings. Cora took a ring of mothers with a large bead set with pearls she must not wear this - it is too large for such a "small young." When you go with Cousin Maria you must remember she is much older than you. And knows more of the usages of society. Consult Aunt Maria on all points relative to dress &c.

You had better write to willie ^Uncle Porter Welch & tell him when you can go to Gowanda, or get uncle Dolph to do so for you if he will. When at Gowanda see Cousin Annie if conveniant.

Visit Mr Hodge while in Buffalo. He will let you get some flowers for Aunt Maria. Mr Hodge's little girls are very pleasant.

If you see Miss Kitty Fowler give

her my compliments.

If you come across any small frogs, snakes, mice, or lizards try to secure them. Buy Strong flint glass bottles & use alcohol of 50 to 75 per cent. Buy whatever you want to preserve specimens with Tell Will Welch I'll refund to him anything he may lay out for collecting apparatus if he will collect for me. Tell him not to be afraid to get things because they are common - get small fish - Let him to work if you can. If he gets much he may send by express to me in Chicago this fall

I can't work and I aint really sick so I have the "Blue Delivs" now "pretty much" as the suckers say

Brother Bob

Bob July 3^rd 1855

[page turned written on left side] Mary will stay with mother till you come back