Words as to the inner emotions do not come readily to me, for I have led an isolated life mentally and spiritually.

I do not compare the past with the present without a prejudice for either, but, great as the improvement in country life is in many respects, it seems a pity the old cheap, wholesome dishes have gone to make way for tinned and preserved foods.

Alas! in nature, as in art, we gain only according to our capacity. You cannot put an ocean in a pint pot.

It was still the custom of the countryside to build with local materials produced as close to the selected site as possible, for transport was difficult, even the best of country roads being more fitted for horseback traffic rather than heavy loads.

Unlike most great talkers, the rooks are good workers, too.

Strict honesty was the policy of most of them; although there were a few who were said to 'find anything before 'tis lost' and to whom findings were keepings.

Some great poet or philosopher once said that " he who goes to nature for comfort must go to her empty handed " , and I think he was right.