Branchville, October 21, 1883

Julian Alden Weir to Mrs. Baker, his mother-in-law:

I received your letter and the one of Mr. Baker enclosed, it is indeed a characteristic letter, and I could almost hear him chuckle, after the bit of sarcasm on the hunting.  However some day we may be able to induce him over, and show him some sport.  We have been living on game here lately, Saturday a hunter brought three partridges, a pair of quail and woodcock, so we have been reveling in what we call extras.  I have had our cider made--six barrels and three quarters… sixty bushels of potatoes and barn full of grain, etc. so far so good.  The art of painting however has not thrived in proportion, as I will bring back but one picture.