IMH 75:2 197

"Chronicles of Upper Burnet" (1)

1881

Wednesday, April 20th.

The sky continued either hazy or cloudy and the air warm and spring-like. Alvin and
I planted the patch we fixed yesterday, with Early Rose potatoes. (It was planted
a year ago to-day.) We then hitched to the sled and hauled manure. First we cleaned
out the buggy-shed, and that done we hauled away the cow-manure. The stuff was
half liquid and mixed with corn-stalks, which made it a bothersome and nasty job.
Part of it we put on the field south of Bill Hands wheat and part on the field immediately
below the house. Father was gone all day on the assessment business.

Teaching note: This entry by William suggests that he kept a journal before the one that
we are fortunate to have. Encourage your students to journal. Currently I am reading
a 1872 journal of a 14 year old quaker boy who lived within a mile of my home. It is
fascinating.