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 10, 1833
Early in the morning, very clear, bright sky. A very cold, powerful wind was blowing, which had been raging even more violently during the night. At seven thirty, −11°R [7.3°F, −13.8°C]. In our rooms—the doors and windows severely drafty, with some broken panes, large empty rooms, and fire of wet wood in an open fireplace—it was so cold and unpleasant that we could neither work nor write; even in bed we had been freezing. An additional small stove was placed in our room. At twelve o’clock, −9 1/3°R [11°F, −11.7°C]. Mr. Say occupied himself today identifying the worms found in the mink. We worked at home. In the afternoon during my walk, I found it to be very cold because of the piercing wind, even though the sun shone brightly and clearly. Several farmers visited us and told about a black fox that they called fisher; I am not yet familiar with this animal. They brought four raccoon skins for sale. I spent the evening at the home of Mr. Say.