Now at last, methinks, the most melting season of this year.

August 12. 

August 12, 2013

To Conantum by boat, berrying, with three ladies. You now see and hear no red-wings along the river as in spring. 

See the blue herons opposite Fair Haven Hill, as if they had bred here. 

This and the last day or two very hot. Now at last, methinks, the most melting season of this year, though I think it is hardly last year's bathing time, because the water is higher. There is very little air over the water, and when I dip my head in it for coolness, I do not feel any coolness.

Carry watermelons for drink. What more refreshing and convenient! This richest wine in a convenient cask, and so easily kept cool! No foreign wines could be so grateful. If you would cool a watermelon, do not put it in water, which keeps the heat in, but cut it open and set it in a cellar or in the shade. If you have carriage, carry these green bottles of wine.

H. D. Thoreau, Journal, August 12, 1853

To Conantum by boat, berrying, with three ladies. See August 4, 1856 ("Carried party a-berrying to Conantum in boat.")

See the blue herons opposite Fair Haven Hill, as if they had bred here. See August 24, 1854 ("See a blue heron standing on the meadow at Fair Haven Pond. "); and note to August 19, 1858 ("Blue herons, which have bred or been bred not far from us (plainly), are now at leisure, or are impelled to revisit our slow stream")