Day fine. I passed it much as usual. Read about seventy lines of Homer, and spent some time in examining a book called the Planter’s Guide by Sir Henry Steuart.1 This gentleman has been very successful in forming wood round his place in Scotland by moving trees twenty five and thirty feet high. His book is useful on other accounts to a planter as giving the results of experience of soil, of exposure and of treatment.

Afternoon, assisted and directed Mr. Kirk in sodding the ends of my bank wall which was done as it appeared to me very satisfactorily. The carpenters now weary my patience and as I have nothing left to do while they are there making lumber and litter, I set Kirk to digging and trenching the belt of trees on the South west side of the lot. This will be good as a preparation. Home quite fatigued.

The ladies had some friends to tea,2 Mrs. Miller and Mr. J. Quincy with Mrs. Apthorp. Mr. and Mrs. E. Miller and daughter with Mrs. Nicolson and Miss Mansfield, Mrs. P. Foster, Mrs. Adams, Elizabeth, J: Q. and John H. Foster. The time passed heavily, there being nothing 286to amuse the company with. It is not easy to entertain and for my part on the footing it is now carried on, it is not worth the trouble. I was so fatigued that after a little writing, I was glad to get to bed.

Morning fine. My father went to town and it had been my intention to have accompanied him, but having received an invitation which would carry me there tomorrow and next day, I decided not to go.

At the house giving directions about the grounds and then took a walk across the farm to examine the trees which might be growing in that vicinity with which it might be practicable to make an experiment upon Sir Henry Steuart’s plan. I found some and may feel disposed this year to make an experiment with one or two if I can rally a sufficient force. The quarries remain just as they have done. Went out upon the back road and home that way. Found there J. H. Foster and J. Q. Adams.

Read eighty lines of Homer, and Sir Henry Steuart’s book. Afternoon, the east wind which had been so cooling deserted us, and we had a hot calm. I rambled down to Mount Wollaston for the first time this season, and upon looking at the prospect from it, pronounced it far superior to that from the hill where I have fixed. Bathed at the beach and returned in time for tea. Evening at home.

Warm. I went to town with my Wife. Occupied a little in Accounts but not much and found I had at last some leisure. Boston to a man who has nothing to do is a very uninteresting place. I was glad when the time came for me to call at Mrs. Frothingham’s for my Wife and drive to Medford.

We had been invited by Mr. Brooks to go on this day for the purpose of meeting the family all the members of which within reach, excepting Mrs. Edward Brooks were to be there. Sidney and his wife are making a visit, and this was the occasion of the meeting. It was more pleasant than usual as the members of the family are more separated during the summer months and it is therefore a novelty to be all together.

After dinner, there came on a shower of rain, and the various members of the family left until Mr. Brooks, Sidney and wife, and P. C. Jr. and Wife with ourselves were left alone. Pleasant conversation. In the evening, we had a thunder shower of some severity and the wind changed, turning cold and rainy. Retired early.