It is a thorough process, this war with the wilderness - breaking nature, taming the soil. feeding it on oats. The civilized man regards the pine tree as his enemy. He will fell it and let in the light, grub it up and raise wheat or rye there. It is no better than a fungus to him.

We do not learn much from learned books, but from true, sincere, human books, from frank and honest biographies.

I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.

Do not read the newspapers.

Our manners have been corrupted by communication with the saints.

It is so rare to meet with a man outdoors who cherishes a worthy thought in his mind, which is independent of the labor of his hands. Behind every man's busy-ness there should be a level of undisturbed serenity and industry, as within the reef encircling a coral isle there is always an expanse of still water, where the depositions are going on which will finally raise it above the surface.

What is sour in the house a bracing walk in the woods makes sweet.