Copy of Letter to Dr Deane in reply to his first one respecting the fossil footmarks

Amherst March 15^th 1835

Dear Sir,

            It would be a most interesting fact if the suggestions you make as to the impressions on sandstone should prove true. For I recollect but a single similar fact in geology and that is the track of a tortoise on the sandstone of Scotland described in the Am. Journ. Science a few years ago.  I am not without strong suspicion however that the case you mention may be a very peculiar structure of certain spots in the sandstone which I have often seen in a red variety of that rock.  The layers of rock having this structure sometimes present an appearance resembling the look of a lion.  But I am satisfied that it is not the result of organization though I confess myself unable to say precisely from what principle it has resulted- But perhaps the case you mention is  part of the rock: and I should be quite glad to see the

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The true origin of these appearances I have not yet seen given- Oct. 1843 E. N.  Infer to No. 1793 of the State Collection of mine in Amherst College