Four-and-a-Half Months’ Stay in New Harmony
Description of the region – Natural history – Messrs. Say, Lesueur, and Owen – Hunting excursions in Indiana and Illinois – Wabash, Fox River – Illinois prairies – Albion – Black River – Mr. Bodmer’s trip to New Orleans
February 6, 1833
In the morning, slightly overcast sky, somewhat windy. At seven thirty, 1 3/4°R [35.9°F, 2.2°C]. Mr. Say examined my turtles and took pains to identify them. Arthur drove to Mount Vernon to fetch some natural history specimens and cases left there yesterday. I remained at home because I had a rheumatic fever. At twelve noon, 3 1/2°R [39. 9°F, 4.4°C], with a rather strong, unpleasant wind. In the afternoon the entire Owen family visited me. Dreidoppel brought an Anas rufitorques, and at five thirty Arthur arrived with the cases. In them were five glass containers with Louisiana amphibians, including the Amphiuma tridactylum Cuv. In the evening, brief visit from Mr. Say.