1.

Concord, Mass.
1916.
April 4
to
July 9

  My customary spring visit to Concord began this year on
April 4 [April 4, 1916] and terminated on July 9 [July 9, 1916]. Living altogether at the Farm
I spent most of my time in its immediate neighborhood
seldom going beyond Birch Field and even less to Ball's Hill
while no use whatever was made of boats or canoes kept at
the latter place. Being, as usual, almost constantly out of doors
I was able to keep a rather close watch on the seasonal movements
of the birds and to make some interesting field observations
relating to certain species. Brief entries made from day to
day in diary and note books furnish the basis for the fuller &
more detailed statements about to be written.
  We motored to Concord on April 4 [April 4, 1916] over deeply rutted roads
and in drenching rain which half-obscured a water-soaked and 
dreary-looking landscape. But when the sun rose clear next 
morning it shone on snow-drops and purple ladies delights
blooming close about the old farm house and on fields everywhere