I have therefore not dared to commit

myself to any promise to the publisher,

and so much time has passed now that

they must perhaps find another

illustrator; – how much time do you think

I might have to work, if I

dared to take on the assignment, –

I would very much like to make something better

than my earlier poor re-

sults, – something that was more

in keeping with the text – that is, more con-

cise and succinct.

Spring arrived here in 2-3 days, the ice

covered the lake in large sheets on Whit

Sunday, and now (1 June) the forest is green,

but there are still patches of snow

immediately inside the stone wall next to the buildings,

and there is still frost in the ground in several

places here on the farm. Spring came

late, [and] there is no help to be

found – I must toil heavily this year if I

am to get any use out of the soil. I trust that you

and your family are living well! Your devoted Astrup

Side