4 P.M.—To Cliffs . . .

  Many living leaves are very dark red now, the only effect of the frost on them . . . Fair Haven Pond is skimmed completely over . . . I rode home from the woods in a hay-rigging, with a boy who had been collecting a load of dry leaves for the hog-pen; this the third or fourth load. Two other boys asked leave to ride, with four large empty box-traps which they were bringing home from the woods. It was too cold and late to follow box-trapping longer. They had caught five rabbits this fall, baiting with an apple. Before I got home the whole atmosphere was suddenly filled with a mellow yellowish light equally diffused, so that it seemed much lighter around me than immediately after the sun sank behind the horizon cloud, fifteen minutes before . . .

  I am extremely sorry to inform you that Mr. Jewett has decided not to commence the Magazine as he proposed. His decision was made too late to think of commencing this year with another publisher. His ill health and already numerous cares are the reasons he gives. The enterprise is therefore postponed – but not indefinitely it is to be hoped. Should the fates be favorable I will give you the earliest information.

  Very sincerely yours,

  F. H. Underwood