The ducks sleep these nights in the shallowest water which does not freeze, and there may be found early in the morning. I think that they prefer that part of the shore which is permanently covered.

  P.M.—To Hubbard’s Close and down brook.

  Measured a black oak just sawed down. Twenty-three inches in diameter on the ground, and fifty-four rings. It had grown twice as much on the east side as on the west . . . Saw a wood tortoise in the brook. Am surprised to see the cowslip so forward, showing so much green . . .