Thoreau writes in his journal:
I observed yesterday that the barn swallows confined themselves to one place, about fifteen rods in diameter, in Willow Bay, about the sharp rock. They kept circling about and flying up the stream (the wind easterly), about six inches above the water,—it was cloudy and almost raining,—yet I could not perceive any insects there. Those myriads of little fuzzy gnats mentioned on the 21st and 28th must afford an abundance of food to insectivorous birds. Many new birds should have arrived about the 21st. There were plenty of myrtle-birds and yellow redpolls . . .
Thoreau also writes to Ticknor & Fields:
Gentlemen,
Is it not time to republish “A Week on the Concord & Merrimack Rivers”? You said you would notify me when it was; but I am afraid that it will soon be too late for this season.
I have, with what were sent to you, about 250 bound, and 450 in sheets.
Yrs truly
Henry D. Thoreau
