Morning clear but windy. I accompanied my Mother to town in the Carriage this morning, and was busy during nearly all my time in commissions on her account. First, in buying provisions for her at Market 361and afterwards in obtaining fruit. I had therefore but little time to myself. We returned home pretty soon too.

Afternoon very much cut up. I was in the first place engaged in reading Seneca, then taken off in attending to Visitors, Gen. and Mrs. Sumner and her Son Mr. Perry,1 and after them Mr. and Mrs. Tarbell. Then I had some Strawberries to plant in anticipation of a heavy shower in the evening.

A Country life is certainly pleasant enough in the Summer months, but it is very wasteful of time. I have become exceedingly careless on this subject, much more so than is proper, but what can I do? Without immediate object to give my studies a direction and without conveniences to make the most of the day, it is hard to do right. Quiet evening. I read Dr. Granville to the Ladies.