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Monday I thought it wise to put on my overcoat.
We again noticed the peculiar ice formations around
the bases of dried stalks.  We stopped at the pump-house
and made inquiry regarding to <s>wasp</s> hornet's nest, which
had been torn from its place.  Mr. R. could tell us
nothing about it, but told us of another, near the
dam a short distance from the pump-house. We found
it a most beautiful nest, high up in a young tulip-poplar
tree. We thought we would climb the tree
but the nice smooth bark prevented any foot-hold.
The only way to get the nest would be cutting down 
the tree.  After some talk pro & con, we concluded
not to take the nest.  When we got back to the 
pump house, Mr. R. offered to cut the tree down for
us, when we saw, how little honored the tree was
and that is no doubt would soon be cut down, we
told him if he would lend us the ax we would cut 
it down ourselves.  This we soon did, the tree
falling, as if guided, the nest receiving not the
        