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
January 15, 1833
At ten o’clock last evening, when I went home, everything was frozen solid, and the snow made a crunching sound. This morning, heavy rain, and water running off all the roofs. At seven thirty, 2°R [36.5°F, 2.5°C]. We had very many animals and birds; therefore, we had sufficient work at home. In addition, we received another large male mallard (Anas boschas fera). At twelve o’clock, temperature of 4°R [41°F, 5°C]. In the afternoon, Russel, the hunter, again brought in four wild turkeys, of which I took a young tom, and a large Ardea herodias. A distant planter brought three black crows, which I was very pleased to have. The weather was so terrible that we were glad to stay home. During the evening the wind shifted and it became colder.