Page:Winter - from the Journal of Henry D. Thoreau.djvu/247

Rh you have risen and gone abroad frequently before sunrise and by starlight.—Varro speaks of what he calls, I believe, before-light (antelucana) occupations in winter, on the farm. Such is especially milking in this neighborhood. Speaking of the rustic villa, he says, You must see that the kitchen is convenient, &quot;because some things are to be done there in the winter before daylight (antelucanis temporibus), food is to be prepared and taken.&quot; In the study, are not some things to be done before daylight, and a certain food to be prepared there?

Jan. 23, 1857. The coldest day that I remember recording, clear and bright, but very high wind, blowing the snow. Ink froze; had to break the ice in my pail with a hammer. Thermometer at $6 3⁄4$, —18°, at $10 1⁄2$, —14°, at $12 3⁄4$, —9°, at 4 , —$5 1⁄2$°; at $7 1⁄2$ , —8°. I may safely say that —5° has been the highest temperature to-day by our thermometer. Walking this, I notice that the face inclines to stiffen. On first coming out in very cold weather, I find that I breathe fast, though with out walking faster or exerting myself more than usual.

Jan. 24, 1857. About $6 1⁄2$ [mercury (?)] in the bulb of thermometer, Smith's on the same nail, —30°. At $9 undefined⁄4$, ours —18°, Smith's —22°, which indicates that ours would have