Lancaster, Mass.
1912.
July 6
(No 2)
[July 6, 1912]

Black Squirrel.

ground it started at once for a nearby Douglas fir and
disappeared under some drooping branches, moving rather slowly
as if badly wounded. Failing to find it beneath the fir
we supposed that it must have gone up it and Thayer
without a moment's hesitation started to follow it. At my
suggestion, however, he first removed his dress suit and began
the climb stripped to his shirt & drawers. The tree was densely
branched and about 40 ft. in height. He went nearly to the
top but could discover no trace of the Squirrel which must
have kept on over the ground to one or another of the numerous
evergreens at the rear of the one just mentioned. When at length
Mr. Thayer descended he presented a ludicrous sight for his
collar was reduced to pulp, his glossy shirt front streaked
with pitch, his drawers torn to shreds. His only concern,
however, seemed to be in respect to the loss of the Squirrel.
I wonder if there [are] many men of his age, weight and constitution 
who, under such conditions, would have been similarly inspired by
pure scientific ardor & enthusiasm to undertake such exertion for such a purpose.