Thoreau writes in his journal:
7.30 P.M.—To stone bridge over Assabet. Moon nearly full; rose a little before sunset . . .
The moon appears full. At first a mere white cloud. As soon as the sun sets, begins to grow brassy or obscure golden in the gross atmosphere. It is starlight about half an hour after sunset to-night; i.e. the first stars appear. The moon is now brighter, but not so yellowish. Ten or fifteen minutes after, the fireflies are observed . . .