C xxix ] 



a brief series is chosen for reproduction in this 

 volume. 



Some of the experiences in connection with these 

 Concord excursions are perhaps worth noting. 



First of all, they were self-rewarding, entirely 

 apart from their historical or personal interest. A 

 breezy walk over Concord meadows or uplands far 

 exceeds in exhilaration and inspiration any after- 

 noon upon a golf course or any conceivable trip in 

 a motor-car. 



Confirmation was found again and again of Thor- 

 eau's descriptive accuracy. Certain flowers, for exam- 

 ple, were traced unerringly merely from his journal 

 notes. 



Confirmation, likewise, of the thoroughness of his 

 observations in the field was frequently noted. Re- 

 peatedly upon these rambles some scene or object 

 was photographed simply because it seemed to pos- 

 sess exceptional interest, without reference to any 

 relation which it might have to Thoreau, and then 

 afterwards it was found that the identical scene or 

 object was carefully described in his journal. Very 

 few facts in the realm of natural history escaped his 

 recording pen. 



here avowed is due to a lack of acquaintance with other regions more 

 famous for their grandeur, it may be stated that during this same period 

 the writer made two trips to Alaska, six to California and the Pacific 

 Coast, three to the Grand Canon of Arizona, seven to the Canadian 

 Rockies, two to Yellowstone Park, and three to the Rocky Mountains of 

 Colorado. Yet, after every one of these trips, it was a genuine dehght to 

 return to the simple beauty of New England. 



