Morning cloudy and dark. I read Buffon as usual for an hour and then went to the Office in snow. This continued pretty smartly until noon when it turned to rain for the remainder of the day. After my common occupations I sat down and reviewed the two pieces of Machiavel which I read yesterday. There is a great deal of knowledge of Government contained in them, and though some of the maxims they contain are horrible enough, yet there are others which deserve deep consideration from Rulers. I was also busy some time in Accounts. Returned home directly being unable to take my usual exercise.

Afternoon instead of reading Cicero as usual, I thought I would finish pasting the Crests in my Fathers books, a business which has been hanging on from day to day for more than a year. I also did a few of my own. This was not entirely finished though I worked steadily the whole time. Evening, Continued reading Captn. Parry, which is still interesting, and after it, continued Buffon and the Spectator.