18 November: In the morning, dreary weather and overcast sky. At seven thirty, 5°R [43.3°F, 6.3°C]. Today is Sunday, but here one does not realize it, except that young people go hunting more than usual, contrary to the general custom in the United States. The otherwise reasonable and educated men of Harmony (especially Mr. Say) are enemies of religion, that is, of all sects, and have no regard at all for outward religious practices and churchgoing. Moreover, they have a hatred for the clergy.

At noon, 10°R [54.5°F, 12.5°C]. Our firewood included pieces that are red inside, here called honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos). There are three species of locust. The second one is black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and Gleditsia monosperma is called simply locust.M20See Michaux, Sylva americana, where one can see the diversity of names in the provinces. In the English edition, German trees are included. Title: The North American Sylva, or a Description of the Forest Trees of the United States, Canada and Nova Scotia, etc., to which is Added a Description of the Most Useful of European Forest Trees, etc., illustrated by 156 color plates, translated from the French of Andrew Michaux etc., 2 vols. 8vo. Paris by C. D’Hautel, 1819.

Forenoon visit at the home of Mr. Lesueur, who is still not well. In his room it was almost dark because of the Lonicera sempervirens vines (now with their mature red berries) that were growing at the windows. In America this darkness (it had just rained somewhat and was very warm) is unusual in the winter; on the contrary, there is usually bright, clear, and pleasant weather. During the winter there is sometimes fog and hoarfrost, whereby all trees are encrusted to the outermost twigs, but this is rare. Sun dogs and northern lights are also not unusual. In the afternoon we had heavy rain, and in the evening it was windy and very dark.