Haying is fairly begun, and for some days I have heard the sound of the mowing-machine, and now the lark must look out for the mowers . . .

  Thermometer at 93º+ this afternoon.

  Am surprised to find the water of Corner Spring spoiled for the present, however much I clear it out, by the numbers of dead and dying frogs in it (Rana palustris). There is a mortality among [them] which has made them hop to this spring to die . . .

  Finding myself somewhat stronger than for 2 or 3 years past, I am bent on making a leisurely & economical excursion into your woods—say in a canoe, with two companions, through Moosehead to the Allegash Lakes, and possibly down that river to the French settlements, & so homeward by whatever course we may prefer. I wish to go at an earlier season than formerly or within 10 days, notwithstanding the flies &c and we should want a month at our disposal.

  I have just written to Mr. [Eben J.] Loomis, one of the Cambridgeport men who went through Bangor last year, & callus on you, inviting him to me one of the party, and for a third have thought of your son Charles, who has had some fresh, as well as salt, water experience. The object of this note is to ask if he would like to go, and you would like to have him go, on such an excursion. If so I will come to Bangor, spend a day or 2 with you on my way, buy a canoe &c &c be ready the time my other man comes along. If Charles cannot go, we man find another man here, or possibly take an Indian. A friend of mine would like to accompany me, but I think that he has neither woodcraft nor strength enough.

  Please let me hear from you as soon as possible.

  Father has arrived safe & sound, and, he says, the better for his journey, though he has no longer his Bangor appetite. He intends writing to you.

Yours truly,
Henry D. Thoreau