This week in 1777

13th July

The backward wheat is in beautiful bloom: the fields look quite white with blossoms. The forward wheat is out of bloom, & therefore from the late weather not likely to be so good.

14th July

The bloom of the vines now smells delicately. Continue to cut my meadow. White cucumbers grow. Hops begin to be infested with honey-dew. Hay makes well.

15th July

Rye, which blows early, in a bad state; no promise of a crop.

16th July

Wheat finely blown. Hay in large cock. Hay is made most delicately.

17th July

Ricked my meadow-hay in most delicate order without one drop of rain. A large crop: 9 jobbs. Left some grass in each mead to cut for the horses.

18th July

Grapes begin to grow into berry. Cut the first white cucumber. Swifts dash & frolick about, & seem to be teaching their young the use of their wings. Thatched my rick of meadow-hay with the damaged St. foin instead of straw.

19th July

Bees begin gathering at three o’ the clock in the morning: Swallows are stirring at half hour after two.