4

I am very busy this winter "helping Charlie" as mamma
says when she means being "very idle".
For amusement I have been reviewing Algebra.
That is my favorite study of all others; and
occasionally when I felt conscientious about my
neglect I have taken to arithmetic. more by
way of penance than aught else. I do assure
you for I perfectly detest it. I am just
now reminded of the fact that if one of my
teachers should chance to overhear such a
remark I should be politely informed that
it was very improper very[2nd very underlined twice].
Do you ever play Cribbage? We are learning the game.
You cant imagine how much I wanted to
go south this winter. Miss Shattuck has just
returned from Mississippi where she has been
teaching the past year. Col. Hebron in whose
family she has been teaching commissioned
Mr. Shattuck to supply his daughter's place and
he offered me the chance of going. Our folks
wouldn't hear a word of it, and so I am
moping about at home in the immediate
[illegible] of ma's apron string.
I want to take music lessons but there is no one
nearer than Randolph that knows a flat from
a Sharp and I am sure I dont.
Exquisite society we have here dont we?
Next Wednesday - (I must duly announce so
important a fact - ) is my twentieth birthday.
also the birthday of a brother-in law of mine, &
so the family - including uncles aunts cousins & etc
are all coming home for that day. Just call in
and I'll introduce to you a rival tribe of Kennicotts.
I am going to send for a textbook upon Zoology. By
some means we were prevented from taking that study
in the seminary and Mr. Souve was going to give us lectures
instead, which were finally crowded out by something
else & now I am going going to studying if I get a book.
As a great Naturalist, I appeal to you for information
as to the best book I can get that is an elementary work.