p. 31

-31-
1828.

young person acquiring a knowledge of mineralogy.

Whatever you send, please direct to the care of Edmund Forstall, New Orleans, and N. Berthoud, Shippingsport, Ky.

A small animal inhabits the Ohio river which agrees very well with that part of the description of the Proteus maculatus, which is mentioned in the article on doubtful reptiles in your Journal of Science. I have not a full description of it and cannot therefore ascertain with certainty that it is the same. They can be very readily procured here, and if you should want a specimen or two, I would with pleasure forward them.

With much respect,

Increase A. Lapham.

Prof. B. Silliman.

Feb. 19.*** In the morning Silver Creek Hills, as seen from the canal, were covered with snow.

Feb. 20. On my way to Louisville I beheld a scene, which though very common here I have never before seen: it was a negro slave belonging to the contractors on the L&P canal followed by his overseer on horseback, who was lashing him every other step with his hide. In vain did the poor fellow run to get rid of the blows, his increased stops were followed by a corresponding increased motion of his tormentor; he had left the work without permission, which was the crime for which he was so cruelly beaten.

In the afternoon having nothing to do on the canal I commenced drawing landscapes instructed by Mr. V. Audubon. I commenced on a small view on James river, Virginia. [Sketch No. 7.]

Feb. 22. The buds began to open on our peach trees to day.***

Feb. 23. The first fair day we have had for some time. Mr. Setton of Cincinnati gave me a mineral which I have marked No. 2 in my collection: he said it was muriate of lime; I made some experi-