ing of going to a warm climate for the winter, but I think a judicious hydropathic treatment at home would be much better for him."
Thoreau took a drive with the Ricketsons each of the six days of the visit, and also walked and botanized a little. On parting with him, August 24, Mr. Ricketson wrote in his diary,—" The recovery of his health is quite uncertain: still he has a good deal of toughness, and great will, which are in his favor." He was persuaded to receive a visit from Dr. Denniston, then at the head of a celebrated water-cure in Northampton; and Mr. Ricketson accompanied the doctor from New Bedford to Concord, September 2. After the medical examination, Thoreau walked with Dr. Denniston to the battleground, a mile or more, and they were joined on the way by Mr. Alcott. Mr. Ricketson wrote in his diary:
"The doctor was unable to awaken in Thoreau an interest in his mode of treating disease by the water practice. He kindly invited Thoreau to come to Northampton and stop a fortnight with him as a guest, but discouraged his going to the West Indies.
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