April rain

April 1.

The month comes in true to its reputation. We wake, though late, to hear the sound of a strong, steady, and rather warm rain on the roof, and see the puddles shining in the road. 

It lasts till the middle of the day, and then is succeeded by a cold northwest wind. This pattering rain and Sabbath morning combined make us all sluggards. 

When I look out the window I see that the grass on the bank on the south side of the house is already much greener than it was yesterday.  

P. M. —— To Conantum End.

At the first Conantum Cliff I am surprised to see how much the columbine leaves have grown in a sheltered cleft; also the cinquefoil, dandelion, yarrow, sorrel, saxifrage, etc., etc. They seem to improve the least warmer ray to advance themselves, and they hold all they get. 

See, resting on the edge of the ice in Fair Haven Pond, a white duck with black head, and a dark one. They take to the water when I appear on the hill a quarter of a mile off, and soon fly down the river rather low over the water. 

H. D. Thoreau, Journal, April 1, 1855