6 August 1855 – 12 August 1855

P. M. — Down river to Tarbell Hill with C. Saw a Sternotherus odoratus, caught by the neck and hung in the fork between a twig and main trunk of a black willow, about two feet above water, — apparently a month or two, being nearly dry. Prob- ably in its haste to get down had fallen and was caught. I have noticed the same thing once or twice before. Hear the autumnal crickets. At Ball’s Hill see five summer ducks, a brood now grown, feeding amid the pads on the opposite side of the river, with a whitish ring, perhaps nearly around neck. A rather shrill squeaking quack when they go off. It is remarkable how much more game you will see if you are in the habit of sitting in the fields and woods. As you pass along with a noise it hides itself, but presently comes forth again.

To Tarbell Hill again with the Emer- sons, a-berrying. Very few berries this year.

Blue-curls, how long? Not long.

Elecampane, apparently several days. River is risen and fuller, and the weeds at bathing-place washed away somewhat. Fall to them. Dana says a sprit is the diagonal boom or gaff, and hence a spritsail. Most fore-and-aft sails have a gaff and boom.

P. M. — To Nagog. Middle of huckleberrying.