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 7, 1833
Early in the morning, overcast sky. At seven thirty, 2°R [36.5°F, 2.5°C]. We worked at home. At twelve noon, 5°R [43.3°F, 6.3°C]. In the afternoon we roamed through the forests [and] shot several woodpeckers and cardinals (they are very common) as well as Fringilla hudsonia or hyemalis and canadensis. I also saw a Sylvia sialis, which Nuttall makes into an Ampelis, and a kingfisher (Alcedo alcyon). In the evening Mr. Say visited me, and we went over various zoological descriptions. The night was bright and clear. Moonlight. It seems to be growing colder.