Alexander Garden has not got very much to write about but takes the opportunity nevertheless, so that Linnaeus does not forget him.
Garden has made the additional observations of the plants that Linnaeus wanted, and Garden reports on them. In most cases, Linnaeus is right in his determinations and theories. Garden does not agree with Linnaeus on Hamamelis, though.
Garden again states that he never saw the strange lizard Sirene undergo a metamorphosis from a state of larva, so it must be a full-grown animal. He is sure that it must be a new genus.
Garden sends the character of a medical plant, Indian pinkroot, the medical handling of which has been reported to John Hope in Edinburgh. Hope would publish that report from Garden in the publication of the Edinburgh society [Hope refers to his "An Account of the Indian Pink"], which may be published before Linnaeus receives the letter. Anyhow, Garden asks Linnaeus to send any comments to Hope. To sum up, he considers it to be a useful drug, especially against intestinal worms.
Garden can not help on the Pulex, since that species is not found so far north as South Carolina but only farther to the South and on the islands. But he has another pest, the potato louse, which attacks people, penetrates the skin and causes itching, inflammation and pain. Often, there is fever and small ulcers. It is not the same as the flea described by Mark Catesby under the name of Chigo.
Garden is eagerly waiting for Linnaeus’s comments on the many specimens that he has sent. That will add to his knowledge and ability as a researcher.