Chapter 8, July, The Moose Are in the Lakes Summary and Analysis

In July the woods are hot, dry and quiet. Nature pauses between spring and fall. Things have stopped growing and the rains have stopped. July days are long and the evenings are ablaze with the red sun. July is Jim's least favorite month; it is hot and fully of insects, particularly mosquitoes, and netting only somewhat helps. You must also make sure your tent is free of bugs at night. Most birds are silent as they have mated. As some consolation, butterflies are aflutter. The study of butterflies is a great pleasure.

That month, two young men on a canoe trip stop by Hank's and spend the evening with them. Jim and Hank teach them woodcraft and how to handle a canoe. The same summer, Jim makes...