Four-and-a-Half Months’ Stay in New Harmony
Description of the region – Natural history – Messrs. Say, Lesueur, and Owen – Hunting excursions in Indiana and Illinois – Wabash, Fox River – Illinois prairies – Albion – Black River – Mr. Bodmer’s trip to New Orleans
February 1, 1833
Sky slightly overcast with streaky clouds; calm, pleasant weather. At seven thirty, 0°R [32°F, 0°C]. We were soon delighted by the bright sunshine. Mr. Say felt somewhat better today. Toward noon, Dreidoppel returned empty-handed from his excursion. On Grason Creek, which discharges near the ferry, [he had] found some ducks and shot at them in vain. At twelve o’clock, temperature of 5°R [43.3°F, 6.3°C]. In the afternoon the weather was exceptionally nice. We went out immediately, and I shot several Loxia cardinalis, Picus pubescens male and female, Sitta carolinensis, and Parus atricapillus. The Wabash is constantly rising and carries a large amount of foam, wood, washed-away planks, and the like. Mr. Nohl had shot a bluebird (Sylvia sialis). The hunters out in the countryside are no longer bringing us any animals at all; it seems that the warm weather is very unfavorable for catching them. In the evening I visited Mr. Say, who was very indisposed.