Sunday, June 22, 1947
5:30 – Just was up when Ray called saying Baker said it was a good day – come ahead. Left here at 6:10 – Florence, Wally & kids left at 9 to go to Camp Muskingum to visit Mary.
Picked up Hazel Chase & John Gill at Galion & even with high water detour made it to Baker’s at 9:20.* He is around 60 – very common – Uncle Jim type & at first very taciturn. His house – as he had warned – was a mess – painting, etc, – books piled everyplace. At Hazel’s insistence we started for the woods immediately. He nearly run us down in the driveway – Backed right into Ray’s car! The land we tramped on is all leased by his company for mineral rights – coal – clay – oil. The first woods had been catalogued for 18 ferns but my biggest thrill was what we think is twayblade. The buggers went wild – moths mostly in the woods – and the mosquitos welcomed us heartily. But my 448 was effective – no bites but they still swarmed. Then to a high hill & ate lunch among sasafrass trees. Saw house snake (milk). Then along stream where Baker nonchalantly announced “You should find phaeton here.” And the did immediately along with harrisii. He warmed up while alone – then to a high contour planted field – song sparrow in nest. All the while new plants – new butterflies. To his house again & got an idea of the immensity of his collection. Hundreds of all kinds. Very satisfying day.
[*near Waynesburg, Ohio, SE of Canton]