A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children. |
After all, I long to be in America again, nay, if I can go home to return no more to Europe, it seems to me that I shall ever enjoy more peace of mind, and even Physical comfort than I can meet with in any portion of the world beside. |
Almost every day, instead of going to school, I made for the fields, where I spent my day. |
As I grew up I was fervently desirous of becoming acquainted with Nature. |
Because my father was often absent on naval duty, my mother suffered me to do much as I pleased. |
But hopes are Shy Birds flying at a great distance seldom reached by the best of Guns. |
But the moment a bird was dead, no matter how beautiful it had been in life, the pleasure of possession became blunted for me. |
Finally I paid every bill. My plantation in Pennsylvania had been sold and nothing was left to me but my humble talents. |
How could I make a little book, when I have seen enough to make a dozen large books? |
How strangely Nature has provided them with the means of securing their eggs and young from their arch-enemy Man. |
How strangely our Bark is tossed-Poor as Job yesterday-rich as Croesus Tomorrow!-and who could not wish to live to enjoy this Life of pleasurable anxiety? Not I believe me. |
Hundreds of anecdotes I could relate. It may happen that the pages I am now scribbling over, may hereafter be published. |
Hunting, fishing, drawing, and music occupied my every moment. Cares I knew not, and cared naught about them. |
I can scarcely manage to scribble a tolerable English letter. I know that I am not a scholar, but meantime I am aware that no man living knows better than I do the habits of our birds. |
I cannot help but think a curious event is this life of mine. |