Peter Kalm's Travels Into North America

Travels Into North America by peter Kalm Volume 1 of 3, originally published in 1760 reprinted by Townsends, 400 pages.
Peter Kalm was a university professor in Sweden. He was sent by the Swedish to collect seeds and plants that he thought might thrive in Sweden and improve their agriculture. Orginally published in Swedish it was translated into English. This is a very well written book and easy to read. Professor Kalm leaves England in August 1748 for America. Professor Kalm describes his trip across the ocean and travels in great detail. He arrives in Philadelphia and provides a great description of the buildings, religions and local flora and fauna. During 1748 he travels through Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. He gives a excellent description of each of the towns and cities he travels through as well as the people, food, remedies for diseases, and wildlife. His description of the skunk is most interesting and amusing. He also comments on the great reduction of waterfowl and fish in the preceding years due to mans changes to the environment , sounds familiar? This is one of the best travel narratives I have read. The only negative is that is written in old English where they have their “f” and “s” mixed up. I hardly notice but some would find it a hindrance. Highly recommended.