April 6. 1880 - Thunder. The cows getting with rough tongue, into the sweet grass.
    The way the moon looks to those who have no figures or letters, and who live by the sun instead of by the clock.
    The first machine through the village, the excitement and people riding on it as a wonder.
    Arum, and blackbirds whistling. So beautiful, even the dust.
    Always fondest of A. whilst making love to a girl.
    Care of women for drunken men. ‘Come out into the air my dear.’ Just the thing that makes them fall.

from The Nature Diaries and Note-Books of Richard Jefferies ed. Samuel J. Looker 1948 (p94 fell open when taken from the library shelf +)


and yesterday morning two southern right whales bathed and bared their salty lacquered backs unusually close to quay ferries' paths, i saw it on the tv last night.