That beautiful Carlisle, its surrounding hills bordering its valleys, all within the bosom of quiet nature should appear to you as a small affair when compared to our largest city in the Union, is not at all remarkable, but let me ask you the following questions. Did you meet all your dear Parents and Friends quite well? Did they not receive you with the kindest of welcomes? Were not their _hearts_ and feelings towards you the same as ever? Surely all this was fact, and being so, would you not after all prefer _Little Carlisle_ than _Great New York_ with all its humbug, rascality, and immorality? Surely or do I mistake your nature sadly, you do! It is now a good long time since I was young, and resided near Norristown in Pennsylvania. It was then and is now a very indifferent place as compared with New York; but still my heart and mind oftentime dwell in the pleasure that I felt there, and it always reminds me that within a few miles of that village, my Mother[185] did live, and it was there also that my good fortune led me to know and to marry the excellent Wife I have yet, at whose hands yourself have tried to be rendered comfortable. Say what you will. "there is nothing like home"... I wish I could be with you, if only for one week, for then I imagine that between your friends of the mountains, yourself, and myself, we could Tree a "Catamount" and soon untree him. The tugging part of that far-famed animal, I would cheerfully give up to your youthful shoulders, but not so with the figuring of it, yet for a while. Is there such a Beast in existence? Do let me know as soon as you can. I am heartily glad that you have procured a wild cat from the mountainous part of Pennsylvania, and that you have preserved its skin, which I beg you to forward as soon as you please, along with whatever other quadrupeds you may have in hand, that we may say more on those Beasts of the Central States, than has ever been before told.... _Look out for Martens_, and try to find me some youself! I am glad that you find wild cat meat pretty good, as it corroborates the sayings of many others, who pronounce it equal to young veal. Let me say to you ("en passant") that your handwriting is considerably improved, and depend upon it that your attention _to Drawing_ will soon enable you as of "copper plate." Go ahead! I now wish you earnestly to offer our joint respects, regards, and best wishes to all your family and friends, and to believe me always, Yours most truly, JOHN J. AUDUBON. 86 White Street.