
          200.

from the north-west, we felt quite sure of a rainless day.
Arrived at G. we were quite surprised, G. had at last 
received a station.  We started at once to M. taking
that pretty path through the woods.  Reaching the branch,
our first visit was to old Mrs. R. where we (again) heard
how much better cake was made in Germany than here.
The branch now completely frozen over is beautiful to
behold.  After visiting the old lady and after tasting
the persimmons, which strange to say are very astringent
drawing one's mouth up now more than when they first
were becoming ripe, we went to the bridge and examined
the branch beyond it.  What attracted our attention
most was to see an open channel about 2 to 3 ft w. worn through the ice
extending from (a point) where the branch gradually narrows
into the brook, to the bridge under which was a broad
sheet of water -- this winding channel being no doubt the
continuation of the warm water of the brook.  The ice near
the shore was at least 6 in. thick.  We tried, as an experiment,
to melt a hole through the ice by building a fire directly upon it, we 
did not succeed in the short time at our disposal. (About 1 ½ hr.)
        