To my deep mortification my father once said to me, "You care for nothing but shooting, dogs, and rat-catching, and you will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family."

Thomson's views on the recent age of the world have been for some time one of my sorest troubles.

...for the shield may be as important for victory, as the sword or spear.

Thus disbelief crept over me at a very slow rate, but at last was complete. The rate was so slow that I felt no distress, and have never since doubted even for a single second that my conclusion was correct.

Farewell Australia! You ... are too great and ambitious for affection, yet not great enough for respect. I leave your shores without sorrow or regret.

Man selects only for his own good: Nature only for that of the being which she tends.

Nothing can be more improving to a young naturalist, than a journey in a distant country.