Travels into North America, Volume 2 (of 3)

"Travels into North America, Volume 2 (of 3)" by Pehr Kalm is a journal that explores the wilds of 18th-century North America through the eyes of a traveling scientist; the book showcases Kalm’s adventures as he studies the plants, animals, and farming practices of the New World, with a focus on how the colonists and Native Americans interacted with the land. Beginning with his stay in New Jersey in late 1748, Kalm marvels at the thriving colonial life, noting how families grow and prosper in the open country. From tales of local families to the swarms of insects impacting colonial farms, and the overall tone of the work, Kalm paints a vivid picture of early American life, blending scientific observation with personal experience to reveal the unique character of a land finding its feet.