MUCH MORE AT THIS LINK BELOW

https://morse-trautz-japan.blogspot.com/

CLICK

We welcome all comments on our research project. And we encourage you to participate in it. All comments will be answered...promptly, in English and/or Japanese. 

Six Rare Japanese Postcards to Edward S. Morse

These six postcards were sent by Japanese scientists, who were students of Morse during his stay in Japan. They are all previously unpublished material.

According to S. Kimura, the author of Exchanges between Morse and Japanese People as Evidenced Through Written Correspondence, she mentions that out of the vast collection of over 12,000 letters, a mere 267 can be definitively attributed to Japanese senders corresponding with Morse, underscoring the rarity of such exchanges.

Among the recently discovered postcards (purchased from an online auction simply listed as "Japanese Postcards," with no mention of Morse or their content), four were written by Chujiro Sasaki (佐々木忠次郎) and are dated 1910, 1916, 1922, and 1924. There are also two other postcards in the collection: one from Seiken Takenaka (竹中成憲) dated 1900, and another from Chiyomatsu Ishikawa (石川千代松) dated 1901.

For a more comprehensive exploration of the lives and accomplishments of the individuals mentioned above, read Sagiri Kimura's paper, available as a PDF file. Thanks to her research paper, I managed to accurately identify the origins of those postcards.

https://edo-tokyo-museum.repo.nii.ac.jp/record/313/files/report35_55-70.pdf

Kimura is a researcher at Edo-Tokyo-Museum: https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/

Sasaki Chujiro's postcard to Edward S. Morse dated May, 1, 1910. He writes:

Tokyo 1. May 1910

Dear Professor, 

A few days ago I have received your kind letter as well as your interesting paper - An early stage of Acmaea.

In June, I will depart Japan in order to travel Europe, and probably in the following November or December, I will visit you at Salem.

Yours very fauthfully

Prof. Dr. C. Sasaki
Tokyo, Japan

An early stage of Acmaea was published in the Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History, 1910, Volume 34, Number 8, pp. 318-323. The following review appeared in Geological Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 1, January 1915, pp. 41.

Seiken Takenaka writes to Edward Morse on June 5, 1900

Public Hospital, Aomori, Japan
June 5th, 1900
Regards to /  Mrs. Morse / & / Edith / Mrs.-- / I beg your pardon.

Dear Professor, 

Thanks for your kindness of sending me the Pamphlet on Bubble blower"--Very interesting. I send you a new Jap Med Journal, which contained my essay e.i. I cut it out. Still I send you the empty pamphlet, because at any rate you would not read the Japanese. Just a joke! To Dr. Bigelow tell the same thing if you please. 

How is your family? I want to have the picture of your loving son Mr. J. G. M. [ Potteries I do not forget yet -- a long time] You only, Takenaka

Seiken (Hachitaro) Takenaka (1862-1925) emerges as a prominent presence within Morse's book Japan Day by Day 1877, 1878-79, 1882-83. Serving as Morse's assistant and interpreter during his initial years in Japan, Takenaka's early affiliation with Morse is well-documented. He pursued a medical education at the University of Tokyo and later transitioned into the role of a military doctor. Notably, Takenaka established his own hospital on Sado Island around 1905.

This card is particularly intriguing, as it extends regards to various individuals: Mrs. Morse (Ellen Elizabeth Owen Morse, the wife), Edith (Edith Morse, the daughter), Mr. J.G.M. (John Gavit Morse, the son), and Dr. Bigelow (William Sturgis Bigelow, longtime friend). Takenaka humorously includes a remark addressing Edith as "Mrs.," likely aware of her recent marriage in March 1898. However, it seems he was unaware that John Gavit Morse had also married in early 1899. Unlike the instantaneous news updates we are accustomed to today, in the past, it took considerable time for news to circulate, especially when letters sent overseas were infrequent.

It seems like Takenaka is expressing gratitude for receiving a pamphlet on bubble blowers. He acknowledges the kindness of the gesture and finds the pamphlet interesting. He then mentions sending Morse a new Japanese medical journal, along with his essay that he had cut out. He humorously adds that he is sending the empty pamphlet as well, jokingly implying that Morse wouldn't be able to read the Japanese content anyway. Takenaka concludes by asking Morse to relay the same message to Dr. Bigelow. This postcard appears to be a light-hearted and appreciative exchange.

The article appeared in Popular Science Monthly, May 1900, pp. 23-29. Below is the first paragraph of that monograph.

A BUBBLE-BLOWING INSECT
By Prof. E. S. MORSE

MANY years ago, while preparing an elementary book on zoölogy, I had occasion to make a drawing of the little insect which is found on grass and other plants immersed in flecks of froth. This substance is commonly known as frog spittle or cuckoo spit, and, being found in the spring, is known in France as "spring froth."

For whatever the reason, Chujiro Sasaki uses Roman numeral to denote month of the year. In this instance, he uses "XI" for November: 'Tokyo 26. XI. 1922' for this postcard sent to Edward Sylvester Morse. It appears Morse had sent him an article on soft-shell clams and a work relating to archery, a sequel to his 1885 "Ancient and Modern Methods of Arrow Release." 

Tokyo 26. XI. 1922

Dear Prof.

Today I have reveived your two papers - 

1. An abnormal shell of Mya arenaria 

2. Additional notes on arrow release - and read them with great interests. I should say much thanks to your kindness and am glad to hear your everlasting scientific works.

Yours very faithfully

Hon. Prof. C. Sasaki
Agric Coll. Tokyo
Imp. Univ.
Tokyo, Japan

Ancient and Modern Methods of Arrow Release

Additional notes on arrow release (1922), Salem, Mass., Peabody museum.

Below is an extract from that work: 

"In 1885 I published, in the Proceedings of the Essex Institute, a paper entitled "Ancient and Modern Methods of Arrow Release." From the difficulty I found in ascertaining the various attitudes of the hand in drawing the bow I began to realize that no one had made a study of the subject and that I had made a discovery."

An Abnormal Shell of Mya Arenaria, 1922, Nautilus, volume 36, pp. 28-30.

Below is an extract from that work:

"The many deformations in the shells of Mollusca have often been described and figured and their causes easily explained. Some of these deformations have been due to injuries to the shell in its early stages, others are due to an arrest of development — atrophy, or an access of growth — hypertrophy, as are the usual causes of malformations among the higher animals and man. In shells these malformations generally consist in the case of gasteropods of the whorls being separated, elongation of the spire, extra knobs, spines, ribs or keels or simple monstrosities; reversed twirls of the spire in dextral shells, supernumerary teeth in the aperture. These and other modifications of the shell are readily understood. I now present an example of an abnormal growth which has so far been inexplicable to me, and it is hoped that some reader of the Nautilus will solve the problem. Recently I received the right valve of the common clam, Mya arenaria, from my friend Major John M. Gould, who received it from Levi C. Carter of Loudville, Maine, who got it at Marsh Island, midway between the Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers."

From these writings, it becomes evident that Morse continued his lifelong research on various subjects until his death in 1925.

New Year's well wishes from Chiyomatsu Ishikawa to Edward Sylvester Morse

Bearing the postmark of December 28, 1900, from Tokyo, the note is dated January 1, 1901, in adherence to the customary practice of New Year's greeting cards. Chiyomatsu Ishikawa, once a student of Edward Morse during Morse's tenure at Tokyo University, sent this heartfelt greeting in German. Notably, it reached Morse on January 21, 1900, as indicated by the Massachusetts postmark

Ishikawa Chiyomatsu (石川千代松, January 30, 1861 – January 17, 1935) was a Japanese biologist, zoologist, evolutionary theorist, and ichthyologist who left an indelible mark on the scientific landscape of Japan. His significant contributions extended beyond his homeland, particularly in the realms of evolutionary biology and ichthyology. Notably, Chiyomatsu played a pivotal role in the early dissemination of Charles Darwin's groundbreaking evolutionary ideas within Japan, contributing to the broader acceptance and understanding of evolutionary theory in the country.

In 1878, Chiyomatsu embarked on his academic journey at Tokyo Imperial University, where he studied under the guidance of Edward S. Morse. His intellectual foundation expanded further as Morse's departure from Japan led him to influential mentors such as Charles Otis Whitman and Kakichi Mitsukuri.

After completing his studies at Tokyo Imperial University, Chiyomatsu pursued advanced research in Germany under the tutelage of the distinguished evolutionary theorist August Weismann. The experience abroad not only enriched his scientific knowledge but also fostered a global perspective on evolutionary studies.

Upon his return to Japan, Chiyomatsu assumed the role of an assistant professor at the University of Tokyo. Subsequently, he became a professor at the University of Agriculture (農科大学, Nōka Daigaku) from 1890 to 1924, where he continued to inspire and shape the minds of future scientists. His tenure at these esteemed institutions marked a period of significant academic influence, where Chiyomatsu continued his research, contributing to the advancement of zoology and evolutionary thought in Japan.

This postcard bears the date 28.V.1924 (28 May 1924), humorously marked with the Roman numeral 'V' to signify May. In a jesting manner, Chijiro Sasaki signs the card as 'Hon. Prof.,' a tongue-in-cheek reference to Honorable Professor, playfully expressing modesty in his signature. 

Edward Morse likely sent Sasaki an article he authored on Joseph Leidy's Influence on Science, which was published in The Scientific Monthly, Vol. 18, No. 4 (Apr., 1924), pp. 422-427 (6 pages). In the opening paragraph of the article, Morse expresses his initial reluctance:

"It was with some hesitation that I accepted the invitation of

your committee to prepare an address on the subject of Joseph

Leidy's influence on the science of his time. It is true that I am

probably one of the oldest members of your academy, but it seemed

to me that a member nearer home and consequently more intimate

with Leidy's life and work would have been better chosen."

Chujiro Sasaki (1857-1938) stands as a noteworthy figure, having been a protégé of Edward S. Morse during his tenure at the University of Tokyo. As a student in 1877, Sasaki engaged in excavations and surveys at the Omori Shell Mound. In the subsequent years, he also explored the Okadaira Shell Mound, a site of significant archaeological import. Graduating from Tokyo University in 1881, Sasaki pursued further studies in Germany over a span of two years. His academic journey led him to eventually become a professor specializing in zoology, entomology, and sericulture at the Imperial University Agricultural College in 1893.

Joseph Leidy was an American paleontologist, anatomist, and naturalist who lived in the 19th century. He was born on September 9, 1823, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and died on April 30, 1891. Leidy made significant contributions to various scientific fields, including paleontology, comparative anatomy, and parasitology.

Chujiro Sasaki (1857-1938) stands as a noteworthy figure, having been a protégé of Edward S. Morse during his tenure at the University of Tokyo. As a student in 1877, Sasaki engaged in excavations and surveys at the Omori Shell Mound. In the subsequent years, he also explored the Okadaira Shell Mound, a site of significant archaeological import. Graduating from Tokyo University in 1881, Sasaki pursued further studies in Germany over a span of two years. His academic journey led him to eventually become a professor specializing in zoology, entomology, and sericulture at the Imperial University Agricultural College in 1893.

A postcard dated May 3, 1916, from Chujiro Sasaki to Edward S. Morse. The handwriting is unquestionably the work of two individuals; Sasaki wrote the main portion, while another hand addressed the bottom. The differences in penmanship are evident.

Tokyo, 3 May 1916

Dear Professor!

Much thanks are due to your kind sending of paper on the Fireflies Flashing. I am always glad to receive your works, which indicate your healthy condition. 

Yours very faithfully,

Prof. Dr. C. Sasaki
Agric. Coll.
Tokyo Imp. Univ.
Tokyo (Komaba),
Japan

Sasaki must have been referring to the article 'FIREFLIES FLASHING IN UNISON' (published in SCIENCE on Feb. 4, 1916). Below is its full text: 

FIFTY years ago in Gorham, Maine, while walking along the road I passed an open field and noticed to my astonishment hundreds of fireflies flashing in perfect unison. I watched this curious sight for some time and the synchronism of the flashing was unbroken. Many times after I have watched these luminous insects, hoping to see a repetition of this phenomenon, but the flashes in every instance were intermittent. Since that time I have read about these insects in various books without meeting any allusion to this peculiar behavior.

At last I have found a confirmation of my early observations. In Nature of December 9, page 414, is the report of an interesting paper read before the South London Entomological and Natural History Society by K. G. Blair entitled "Luminous Insects " in which reference is made to the remarkable synchronism of the flashes in certain European species of fireflies. The explanation offered as to the cause of this behavior seemed to me inadequate. One often notices in the stridulation of the Grillide the perfect time the insects keep in their concerts and it seems likely that the same impulse must animate these flashing beetles, and the light emitted could be more easily followed than the sound. 

(Morse continues) The following is an extract from Mr. Blair's paper:

Apart from its principal function in securing the proper mating of the sexes, the light seems also to be largely used, at any rate by the males, for purposes of display. Where the powers of luminosity are largely developed in this sex the emission of the light is usually of an intermittent flashing type. It has been noticed in various parts of the world that these flashing males tend to congregate in large companies, and that all the individuals of one of these gatherings will flash in concert. All the fireflies around one tree or group of trees, for instance, will flash together, while those around a neighboring tree will be pulsating to a different time. This feature has been observed of a European species of Luciola (though Mr. Main and myself were unable to detect anything of the sort with L. italica at Lugano), of an Indian lampyrid genus not stated, and of the genus Aspidosoma in South America. The American species of Photinus and Photuris do not seem to possess the habit.

The exact reason of this flashing in concert, or the method by which it is brought about, have not been ascertained. It has been suggested that the light is not really intermittent in character, but merely appears so owing to its being alternately masked and exhibited by movements of the creature's body, and that a slight puff of wind might perhaps affect all the members of a company and cause them all to conceal their lights at once. Though this explanation of the intermittent character of the light applies well enough to Pyrophorus, an insect we shall shortly consider, it is certainly not applicable to these Lampyride. It is true the light is not absolutely extinguished between the flashes, but it is so diminished as to become practically dark; moreover the flashing in unison is too regular to be caused by chance puffs of wind. A more probable explanation of the phenomenon is that each flash exhausts the battery, as it were, and a period of recuperation is required before another flash can be emitted. It is then conceivable that the flash of a leader might act as a stimulus to the discharge of their flashes by the other members of the group, and so bring about the flashing concert by the whole company.

Omori Tokyo Shell Mounds 1879 Edward S. Morse

 Memoirs / of the / Science Department / University of Tokio / Volume 1, Part 1 / Shell Mounds of Omori / by / Edward S. Morse / Professor of Zoology, University of Tokio, Japan / Published by the University / Tokio, Japan / Nisshusha Printing Office / 2539 (1879.)

This work is 36 pages, measuring 197mm x 288mm, and it features all 18 double-page folding plates, each in its original placement. However, the original wraps exhibit signs of wear with chips, creases, missing portions, and moderately foxed. Heavy foxing are noted on the front and rear blank pages (chunk missing from top right corner) and corresponding areas. Additionally, the pages are starting to separate from the threaded binding.

The pages themselves reveal varying degrees of foxing, with the preface through page 5 showing moderate foxing, while pages 6 to 11 exhibit lighter foxing. In contrast, the pages from 12 to 36 are mostly clean. Notably, the crucial plates remain largely clean, though plate VIII shows heavy foxing, and plate X displays minor foxing.

Due to the fragile nature of the wraps and the interior coming apart in places, we decided to create a Japanese binding for this Morse catalog. This involved disassembling everything, resewing it, and adding stiff covers to the front and back. In this way, we were able to preserve the entirety of the content, including the original wraps, while also adding stability.  

This work is a classic and quite rare.

Photos below show the new binding we added. We believe it works very well.

In 1879, Edward S. Morse, an American zoologist, made a groundbreaking discovery at the Omori Shell Mounds in Tokyo, Japan. These mounds, remnants of ancient shellfish consumption by early inhabitants, became the focus of Morse's archaeological endeavors. Morse, who was living in Japan at the time, recognized the scientific value of these mounds and conducted extensive excavations.

Morse's work at the Omori Shell Mounds yielded a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, stone tools, and human remains, providing valuable insights into the lifestyle and culture of the Jomon period, a prehistoric era in Japan. His meticulous documentation and analysis of these findings significantly contributed to the understanding of Japan's ancient history and archaeology.

One of Morse's most significant discoveries at the Omori Shell Mounds was the identification of pottery shards with intricate cord markings, characteristic of the Jomon period. These findings helped establish the Jomon culture as one of the world's earliest known pottery-making cultures, dating back to around 14,000–300 BCE.

Edward S. Morse's work at the Omori Shell Mounds not only expanded our knowledge of Japan's prehistoric past but also laid the foundation for modern archaeological practices in Japan. His efforts remain a testament to the importance of careful excavation and documentation in uncovering the secrets of ancient civilizations.

Commodore Perry's Expedition to Japan 1856 Harper's Magazine

Many years ago, I bought a hardcover bound volume of Harper's Magazine from 1856. However, it contained hundreds of pages that held no interest for me. Consequently, I decided to extract the most important article from it: Perry's Expedition to Japan. Notably, this article was published before Nicholson's official account in his narrative titled Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan, performed in the years 1852, 1853, and 1854, under the command of Commodore M.C. Perry, United States Navy, by order of the Government of the United States.

To preserve this extract, which also required a cover, I opted to create a Japanese binding for it, and I am pleased with how it turned out.

1901 Boston Postcard from John Gavit Morse *

 1901 Boston Postcard from John Gavit Morse

This postcard breaks from the norm of his usual travel writings. Unlike his customary practice of composing messages during business trips and from train stations, this one comes from the office. When he mentions the 'train,' he's referring to the local commuter train from Salem to Boston—a routine journey for him. It appears that he'll be embarking on another trip straight from the office once he handles the workload there. 

The Murdocks and Dixie, fellow companions on the train journey, must be familiar faces to Julie, possibly acquaintances from Salem. The absence of commas in the sentence 'Came up on the train with the Murdocks and Dixie who at the last moment had decided to stay down' implies that multiple individuals with the surname Murdock were traveling, alongside another person named Dixie. In this construction, the relationship between Dixie and the Murdocks remains ambiguous.

However, if a comma were inserted, as in 'Came up on the train with the Murdocks and Dixie, who at the last moment had decided to stay down,' the meaning becomes clearer. In this revised version, Dixie is perceived as a distinct individual, potentially the given name or first name of one of the Murdocks. Punctuation, in this case, plays a pivotal role in disambiguating the relationships within the sentence. Given our uncertainty about whether John intentionally omitted a comma or overlooked its placement, we are left to conjecture his intended meaning.

Oct. 14, 1901

Dear Julie,

Came up on train with the Murdocks and Dixie who at the last moment had decided to stay down. Find myself deluged in work here in the office but will try to write you a letter before I leave.

Good bye for now,

John

April 30, 1906 Postcard from John Gavit Morse *

April 30, 1906 Postcard from John Gavit Morse

John writes from South Station (Railway Station), Boston.

So. Station, Apr 30, 1906

My dear Julie,

There was no car so I walked over. Instead of going in to my usual friend I found Radford's open so went in there for a (pufer?) and had a talk with Will Radford until the train came. Met no other friends and came up here in time and without incident. Am now going to bed. 

Your own 

John

The postcard, marked with a Boston postmark dated May 1, 1906, at 4 AM, reveals intriguing details. John's message indicates a challenge in catching a streetcar from his location, prompting him to opt for a leisurely walk. Despite living about a mile away from the old train station in Salem, at 12 Linden St., the pleasant weather on April 30, with online records noting temperatures between 50°F and 66°F, made the stroll enjoyable.

The phrase "my usual friend" sparks curiosity, hinting at familiarity with a place rather than a person. Deciphering John's note about Radford's proves challenging. It seems he was involved in some activity or acquired something there. Will or William Radford owned a cigar/tobacco store in Salem near the train station. The unclear word may be "pufer," a misspelling of "puffer," indicating a possible visit for a smoke.

John's use of past tense in reference to the train journey from Salem to Boston contrasts with the streetcar, likely a local transport facilitating his commute from near his Salem residence to the local train station.

As we track John's journey, the question arises: where did he stay the night he wrote 'am going to bed' on the postcard sent from the Boston train station? Could it have been a hotel room in Boston, or did his company's location grant him access to a comfortable bed within the building?

John G. Morse 1908 Albany, NY Postcard *

This is another postcard from John while he's on the road for this business trip. The postmark is dated September 14, 1908, at 10 AM, with R.P.O. indicating Railway Post Office.

 John G. Morse 1908 Albany, NY Postcard 

As John traveled for work, covering territories for the Factory Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Boston, he navigated through different regions, inspecting various sites. The company's coverage of his expenses, from transportation to meals and lodging, made the extensive trips feasible. The absence of motels meant his accommodations likely leaned towards better hotels, a reflection of the times.

While on the road, John's experiences and observations would have shaped his perspective. The practicality of his job may have led to nights spent in different hotels, offering a glimpse into the diverse landscapes he encountered. Meanwhile, back home, Julie faced the reality of many lonely nights, eagerly anticipating John's return and finding comfort in the postcards that connected them across the distance.

My dear Julie,

Had a comfortable night and a fine sleep. Putnam the inspector I met  in N.Y. last and Simonds a draftsman are with me and we are having breakfast together. Cool and pleasant this morning. More later. 

Yours, John

John Gavit Morse 1905 from Hamilton, Canada *

Written by John to his wife Julie in Salem, Massachusetts 

Hamilton, Oct 12, 05

My dear Julie, 

I took some time this morn to look for trains and find that I cannot get to Muskegon in time and to do any work Saturday even if I should finish here tomorrow night. I may leave here on Saturday during the day, however, so send Friday to Muskegon if you have not already sent here. Also write Muskegon Saturday and Sunday.

Your John 

This card is quite rare, being written in ink, unlike most of his cards which were written in pencil and have faded considerably over the past 120 years. Deciphering his destination from Hamilton proved challenging. Initially, I misread the town as "Muskogee," but no such town exists in Canada, and it seemed unlikely he was traveling to Muskogee, Oklahoma. I found myself at an impasse. Upon reconsideration, I considered the possibility that the word was "Michigan." However, in three instances where he used that term, he did not "dot" the "Is," leaving me uncertain. Returning to square one, I scrutinized the map for similar-sounding words and discovered Muskegon! The journey by train covered approximately 330-350 miles—a lengthy but feasible trip for a seasoned traveler like John.

As I acclimate to John's untidy and scrawled penmanship, I find myself reading much faster than I did a few months ago. To those unaccustomed to his style, it might appear more like codes than actual words.

John G. Morse 1904 on Bangor & Boston Railroad *

 

North Station, Boston on January 24, 1904

Written from North Station, Boston on January 24, 1904 to his wife Julie.

My dear Julie,

Got a car at once and caught my train all right xxx now am in ample time for the Bellows Falls train. Rode up with Harry Worthey, the youngest of the Worthey boys day after tomorrow only xxxxx

Your own, John

As someone not well-versed in philately, the partial postmark displaying "BANGOR" left me perplexed. John was on a train journey from Boston to Bellows Falls, Vermont. It struck me as odd to see a Bangor postmark, a location over 300 miles away, with no indication that he had ventured to Maine, as per the postcard's message. His business trip was merely from his hometown of Salem to Bellows Falls.

Curiosity led me to investigate the obscured word following "Bangor." By making educated guesses, I used the term "railroad" for my online searches. Fortunately, this led me to the Bangor & Boston Railroad Company. It turns out, the postmark was imprinted by that railroad company, specifically a Railroad Post Office (RPO). The complete stamp would have read: BANGOR & BOSTON, JAN 25, 1904, with a train number beneath the year and RPO below it (I show a clearer example of similar postmark I found online).

this is a clearer version of another 1904 card I found online

Paul Pelseneer to Edward S. Morse 1920 on Shell Heaps Mollusks

sent by Pelseneer from Bruxelles, Palais des Academies

　This correspondence holds significant importance, as it involves an inquiry from one malacologist to another regarding specific mollusk species. The postcard is addressed to Edw. S. Morse Esq. at the Peabody Academy of Science in Salem, Mass, United States of N. America. It was sent by Pelseneer from Bruxelles, Palais des Academies, and is postmarked November 21, 1920, Bruxelles - Brussel. Jean Paul Louis Pelseneer (26 June 1863 – 5 May 1945) was a distinguished Belgian malacologist, morphologist, ethologist, and phylogenist.

scarce correspondence betweem two scientists

Given that the text is predominantly in French and written in longhand, my understanding relies on Google Translator. Although not entirely precise, I am confident that we can grasp the essence of this letter, as the subject matter appears clear. The Google translation is provided below:

Brussel Nov. 21, 1920

Dear Sir,

I currently have an extensive work in print on variations among the Mollusks. I tried to cite the less intersting observations, and in particular yours on Omori Shell Heaps. In order to be very precise, can I ask you what are the species of hunatia and Mya..., which are discussed in connection with the New England Shell Heaps, American Journal of Science, vol. XX, p.11 323, 1882? will oblige me by indicating the species. I thank you for this and ask you to believe me in.... 

Paul Pelseneex

Palace of Academies

Jean Paul Louis Pelseneer 

John G. Morse 1901 Postcard Canada to Julie Morse *

John G. Morse 1901 Postcard Canada to Julie Morse

John, an insurance investigator from Salem, Massachusetts, embarked on a series of train rides crisscrossing Canada, from St. Stephen to McAdam Junction and onward to St. John. Amidst his professional observations, thoughts of his wife back in Salem often lingered, adding a personal touch to his experiences.

Departing St. Stephen at daybreak, the train's journey unveiled a transition from the familiar landscapes of home to the untamed allure of Canada. The morning rain, a gentle companion against the train windows, eventually yielded to clearer skies, revealing the splendor outside.

McAdam Junction, adorned with a modern station, showcased the region's progress amid rugged terrains. Among his professional pursuits, a thoughtful gesture from the Canadian Pacific Railroad staff—a complimentary postal—served as a reminder of human warmth amidst his investigative duties.

Throughout these train rides, John couldn't help but reflect on the lives he encountered and the challenges they faced, resonating with his work back in Salem. The rough tracks leading to McAdam Junction echoed the resilience required to navigate such terrains, mirroring the risks inherent in his insurance investigations.

In the midst of these experiences, thoughts of his beloved wife lingered. Her presence, though distant, added a comforting layer to his journey. Her steadfast support and understanding were the steadying force in his life, bridging the gap between his professional pursuits and the warmth of home awaiting his return.

These train rides, beyond their professional significance, provided John with a broader understanding of life's intricacies. They were not just expeditions through Canadian landscapes but windows into the diverse stories that both connected him to home and expanded his horizons abroad.

McAdam Jct, N.B.

May 28, 1901

My dear Julie:  

I left St. Stephen at 7:30 this morning and went north getting here at 8:50 and leave at 9:20 for St. John. It rained slightly at first but is now clearing. 

They have a fine modern station here. This postal is a gift of the Canadian Pacific R.R. for I could find no place to buy one and one of the office force initiated in giving it to me. 

Will write you a letter on the way to St. John. The road was too rough coming up here. 

Your loving,

John