The most distinctive, and perhaps the most impressive, characteristic of American scenery is its wilderness.

One learns that the world, though made, is yet being made; that this is still the morning of creation; that mountains long conceived are now being born, channels traced for coming rivers, basins hollowed for lakes.

In drying plants, botanists often dry themselves. Dry words and dry facts will not fire hearts.

Men use care in purchasing a horse, and are neglectful in choosing friends.

When I first caught sight of (Mount Shasta) over the braided folds of the Sacramento Valley I was fifty miles away and afoot, alone and weary. Yet all my blood turned to wine, and I have not been weary since.

Spring work is going on with joyful enthusiasm.

Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.