In my deepest troubles, I frequently would wrench myself from the persons around me and retire to some secluded part of our noble forests.

If only the bird with the loveliest song sang, the forest would be a lonely place.

A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children.

The fact is I am growing old too fast, alas! I feel it, and yet work I will, and may God grant me life to see the last plate of my mammoth work finished.

Never give up listening to the sounds of birds.

If I can procure three hundred good substantial names of persons, or bodies, or institutions, I cannot fail to do well for my family, although I must abandon my life to its success, and undergo many sad perplexities and perhaps never see again my own beloved America.

Poor France, thy fine climate, rich vineyards, and the wishes of the learned avail nothing; thou art a destitute beggar, and not the powerful friend thou wert represented to me.