1878 Nantucket
Aug. 7, Wednesday. Clear with a
fine cool breeze. In A.M. drove
about the town in search of a horse
that we might hire for the whole of
our stay. After dinner started
out again and drove over to the
South shore. The sun was shining
brightly on the broad open moor
and the air was clear and fresh. 
Saw a number of Cot. [Coturniculus] passerinus,
a few terns flying along the 
beach. I pulled in a small blue 
fish which a native had hooked on
his "draill". As we started back
a wonderfully black & threatening
cloud rose up in the North & in
a short time came drifting over the
island. The temperature fell rapidly
& a high wind swept the commons
but no rain fell. The effect of the
advance of this storm cloud was very
impressive. A small company of Barn
Swallows followed us across the moors
as if seeking our protection.
1878 Nantucket
Aug. 8. Thursday. Clear with a
cool breeze as usual. After breakfast
Mr. Stephens brought a horse which
we had hired for the whole period
of our stay and we drove about
the town a little and then over
to the bathing beach where we
sat for an hour or two watching
the bathers. In the afternoon
drove over to the South Shore,
starting after supper (5.30 P.M.)
and getting back at about
8 o'clock. The same little troop
of Barn Swallows followed us
closely all the way across the 
moor and as we returned
in the twilight I caught 
sight of a Short eared Owl
hawking about and occasionally
poising in one spot for many
seconds and then dropping
down on some prey beneath. 
We watched him until his form
was lost in the uncertain light.