2 than mother of sister. how thankful should we be for this comfort. I was over at mother's a short time ago she seemed
almost hopeless about you she was wearying very much for word from you. her last word was that you were sick in Florida but
that you were getting well and would soon start. and so thought if she wrote you would be gone before it got there. Mother
wrote to Dan - once or twice to send her every word of new's about you she gave me a letter to post for you five or six weeks
ago but I have been waiting all this time for your address I shall send it off at once now. I looked over your parcel of Florida
plants. and exceedingly admired your ferns. what a splendid variety you have got. your Cuba ones had not arrived the last
time David was in Portage I have not been in Town lately and so have not seen your shells but I have heard of them I expect
long interesting chats with 3 you when you come home about the different countries you have visited I presume every
plant flower or shell will take you back to the place you found them and all the scenery or beauties of their native home
will come back to your memory. Barbara was telling me about a new book on photography she had got. it explained how the dried
specimens could be used as negative and a perfect picture produced it also mentioned the advantage this would give to Botanists.
you know you could have a large book and the picture of one of your pets on every page with their description. according as
they came in order. David has been very busy this winter he has got about all of the lumber hauled for his little Barn and
has let the job he had a stumping illegible