Log Search Results

  Saw dead frogs, and the mud stirred by a living one, in this ditch, and afterward in Conantum Brook a living frog, the first of the season; also a yellow-spotted tortoise by the causeway side in the meadow near Hubbard’s Bridge . . .

  Observed a singular circle round the moon to-night between nine and ten, the moon being about half full . . .

  10.15 P. M.—The geese have just gone over, making a great cackling and awaking people in their beds.

  6 A.M.—To Cliffs . . .

  P.M.—To Assabet . . .

  I saw in Dodd’s yard and flying thence to the alders by the river what I think must be the tree sparrow.

  Coldest clay for a month or more,—severe as almost any in the winter. Saw this afternoon either a snipe or a woodcock; it appeared rather small for the last. Pond opening on the northeast . . .

  Got first proof of “Walden.”

  It is colder than yesterday; wind strong from northwest. The mountains are still covered with snow. They have not once been bare. I go looking for meadow mice nests, but the ground is frozen so hard, except in the meadow below the banks, that I cannot come at them. That portion of the meadow next the upland, which is now thawed, has already many earthworms in it. I can dig a quantity of them . . .

  Sam Barrett tells me that a boy caught a crow in his neighborhood the other day in a trap set for mink . . .

  A pleasant morning; the song of the earliest birds, i.e. tree sparrows, (now decidedly) and song sparrows and bluebirds, in the air. A red-wing’s gurgle from a willow . . .

  If it chances to be perfectly agreeable and convenient to you, I will make you a visit next week, say Wednesday or Thursday, and we will have some more rides to Assawampset and the seashore. Have you got a boat on the former yet? Who knows but we may camp out on the island?

  I propose this now, because it will be more novel to me at this season, and I should like to see your early birds, &c.

  Your historical papers have all come safely to hand, and I thank you for them. I see that they will me indispensable, memories por servier By the way, have you read Church’s History of Philip’s War, and looked up the localities? It should make part of a chapter.

  I had a long letter from Cholmondeley lately, which I should like to show you.

  I will expect an answer to this straightaway—but be sure you let your own convenience and inclination rule it.

  Yours truly,
  Henry D. Thoreau

P.S.—Please remember me to your family.

  After a cloudy morning, a warm and pleasant afternoon. I hear that a few geese were seen this morning. Israel Rice says that he heard two brown thrashers sing this morning! Is sure because he has kept the bird in a cage. I can’t believe it . . .

  I transmit to you herewith the subjoined copy of a Report made to the Board of Overseers, and accepted by that body.

  You will perceive your name in the list of the Committee, and you will be pleased to consider this communication as a notice of your appointment as a member of the Committee in which you name occurs.

I am, Sir, with great respect,

Your obedient servant,
JAMES WALKER, President