19–25 September 1864

Yesterday with Ellery walked through " Becky Stow's Hole,"' dry-shod, hitherto a feat for a muskrat alone. The sky and air and autumn woods in their early best. This year, the river meadows all dry and permeable to the walker. But why should Nature always be on the gal- lop ? Look now and instantly, or you shall never see it : not ten minutes' repose allowed. IncessantwhirJ. And 'tis the same with my com- panion's genius. You must carry a stenographic press in your pocket to save his commentaries on things and men, or they are irrecoverable. I tormented my memory just now in vain to re- store a witty criticism of his, yesterday, on a book.