
          I also collected the land and freshwater shells
that came in my way two or three of these
were new to me and I have no books to determine
[added: them] none. Those found on the lake shore
were - Bivalves - [Unia?] radiata, purpurea, & another not
known also a species of Cyclas _ univalves shells, [near]
Paludina decisa. Limnaea colummella [columella] Physa heterostropha [heterostrophus]
Planorbis [?], trivalva and another unknown

I would be glad to know, who could name
such specimens as I cannot determine myself.

I also [added: saw] a great variety of birds, but have not
time to ennumerate those I was acquainted with
which, by the bye was but a small number,

I saw an old acquaintance who told me
that, a few evenings previous as he was angling
in Wood-creek about a mile from New London
a small fourlegged animal took hold of his
hook and he succeeded in pulling him out
said he resembled a common lizard but was
a great deal larger of a black colour with bright
yellow spots as large as a finger nail, he had
a row of fine sharp teeth, ears hinging down
like the elephant's tail long & flat. Total length
more than a foot and two inches in diameter.

I have not yet succeeded very well in getting
classes in Botany. some do not understand
what it is while others are afraid to pay anything
for this improvementof the mind.

If you can set me to work soon I wish
to go. I do not care much where or how soon.

[Left margin: drawing of a hand with extended finger pointing right]
I wish you would furnish me soon, if 
possible with a recipe or directions for
making the consolidated Balsam [?]
there is a great demand for the article and if
I had it, could soon procure a little ready
change

Believe me truly yours

P. D. Knieskern
        