Chapter 3, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers Summary and Analysis

John and Henry build a very efficient boat in 1839. It's shaped like a fishing boat, but also has the ability to sail, so the two men say it is "half fish half bird." They name the craft "Musketaquid," a word which means "river in the meadow" in the local Native American language.

John and Henry have a wonderful time exploring the river with this boat and soon use it to impress a spunky young lady named Ellen Sewall. Ellen has come to stay with her aunt at the Thoreaus' home, and all three go sailing frequently. Both brothers fall in love with Ellen, but because John is older, Henry steps aside and lets John court her.

This love triangle doesn't seem to get in the...