301
Concord, Mass.        
1897.
Oct. 21
  The storm began at daybreak this morning but there
was more wind than rain - scarce enough of the latter
falling to wet the leaves under the trees. Late in 
the afternoon the clouds began to break & a glorious
sunset followed but the wind after clinging to W. 
went back to N. E. again before dark.
  The lame gunner was beating the Snipe grounds
this morning with this setter. I saw him flush one
Snipe & land him for five or six shots in all. 
  Took a short walk over the hill in the morning, and a longer
one in the afternoon to Bensen's landing & beyond.
It is wonderful how quickly my hip gains under 
timed conditions. I was standing or walking for upwards
of two hours this afternoon & felt but little pain in
consequence. Heard a Creeper some Juncos & Chickadees
& saw the Gray Squirrels.
  Late in the afternoon took a short paddle. Titlarks
were arriving into the meadows to roost & flying about
piping. I saw two muskrats.
  The maples have shed their leaves & the birches
are also nearly bare. The oak foliage is brown &
withered already. I cannot imagine what can
have spoiled it there early. We shall have little
fine colouring in November this autumn. 