INTRODUCTION 



town. The true significance of Nature, in its 

 bearing on human destiny, was now gradually 

 unfolded to him; and what had before been crude 

 knowledge was now ripened into wisdom." 



The papers which make up this volume were 

 written for the Standard and were published early 

 in 1883. "The question may be asked," says 

 Jefferies in his preface, "why have you not indicated 

 the precise locality where you were so pleased ? 

 Why not mention the exact hedge, the particular 

 meadow ? Because no two persons look at the same 

 thing with the same eyes. To me this spot may be 

 attractive, to you another; a third may think yonder 

 gnarled oak the most artistic. Nor can I guarantee 

 that every one should see the same things under the 

 same conditions of season, time, or weather. How 

 could I arrange for you next autumn to see the 

 sprays of the horse-chestnut, scarlet from frost, 

 reflected in the dark water of the brook ? There 

 might not be any frost till all the leaves had dropped. 

 How could I contrive that the cuckoos should 

 circle round the copse, the sunlight glint upon the 

 stream, the warm sweet wind come breathing over 

 the young corn when I should wish you to feel it ? 

 Every one must find their own locality. I find a 

 favourite wild flower here and the spot is dear to me; 

 you find yours yonder. Neither painter nor writer 

 can show the spectator their originals." 



