At length from July 30th inclusive the cloud-like wreaths of mist of these dog-days lift somewhat, and the sun shines out more or less, a short time, at 3 P.M.

  The sun coming out when I am off Clamshell, the abundant small dragon-flies of different colors, brightblue and lighter, looped along the floating vallisneria . . .

  Our river is so sluggish and smooth that I can trace a boat that has passed half an hour before, by the bubbles on its surface, which have not burst. I have known thus which stream another party had gone up long before. A swift stream soon blots out such traces . . .