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of general rockiness there are few clearings; even the meadows and lowlands in gen are naturally boulder strewn and the few clear meadows have been laboriously cleared of stones; made into fences, few other kinds of fences; grass very close and lush even on stone openings. Arrive at Lee 2 A.M. Find Mrs. Gilder at Lee, and drive with her four ms to Fourbrook farm. Arrive at 3 and as we step into the big house, old fashioned frame farm cottage, Mrs. Gilder turned, shook hands with me and with kind smile said “let me welcome you”. A row of maples in front along roadside, the river a branch of Housatonic; Tyringhum Creek shimmering in folds in meadow 100 ft below, high wooded ridge on either side bounding the broad val about 1000 ft h; picturesque details of sculpture, ridgefold beyond ridgefold, line upon line, in charming combinations. After lunch G and I take stroll along the stream; huge willows in clumps on banks, 8 or 10 trunks diverging, 2 to 4 ft dia, v picturesque; stream full of trout, many small rapids, birch, alder, etc., the stream rather swift, curving, surging from side to side, about 20 to 30 ft wide, 2 to 4 ft deep, current avg about 3 ms an hr. Fine meadow, wonderful richness of grass, produce more wool and mutton, milk and beef than almost any other equal area I know of; yet the country in gen is full of abandoned farms, some that a doz or two yrs ago sold for $10,000 are now offered for 2000. Inhabitants going to towns to work in factories, stores, etc. seeking fortunes they know not how; look down on labor, health, manhood all given away for the sake of something beyond their reach and wh even if attained would be found far less desirable by any sane person than the home farm life they despise. Nice restful old fashioned room, sweet and fresh, the two little girls make fine love stir [Oct 30]. Go to Stockbridge to dine with Choate. [Oct 31]. Start out with G on long walk, first back of house up the valley,
Date Original
1897
Source
Original journal dimensions: 9 x 15 cm.
Resource Identifier
MuirReel28Journal16P46-47.tif
Publisher
Holt-Atherton Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library
Rights Management
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Keywords
John Muir, journals, drawings, writings, travel, journaling, naturalist
