John Burroughs:
(Roxbury, 3 April 1837 – Ashtabula County, 29 March 1921). American naturalist and essayist who was instrumental in the creation of the American conservation movement. Burroughs has been called the most important writer of nature essays after Thoreau.
If the October days were a cordial like the sub-acids of fruit, these are a tonic like the wine of iron. Drink deep or be careful how you taste this December vintage. The first sip may chill, but a full draught warms and invigorates.
Heartwarming: This suggests that these days bring a sense of warmth and coziness.
Fruit Subacids: This refers to the complex flavours of fruits, which can be both sweet and sour, and how these flavours can reflect the experience of autumn.
Fortifying Like the Wine of Iron: This indicates that the experiences of October can be powerful, similar to the health benefits of iron-rich wine.
Drink Deep or Be Cautious: This emphasises that the experience of the December wine (possibly a metaphor for winter) can be intense; one should be careful how one approaches it.
Cold First Sip: This can refer to the shock of winter or the first encounter with its cold.
Full Draw Warms and Invigorates: This suggests that after the initial shock, the experience can ultimately be warming and invigorating. Origin: John Burroughs: The author is a renowned American natural philosopher and essayist who lived from 1837 to 1921. He was a leading figure in the nature conservation movement and was often praised for his observations of nature and his poetic writing style. Literary Work: The passage appears to originate from Burroughs’ musings on the seasons and their impact on the human experience, a topic he frequently explored in his essays. Author: John Burroughs:
Conclusion: The passage by John Burroughs explores the interplay between the seasons, the flavors of life, and the emotional resonance these experiences evoke. His poetic style invites the reader to reflect on the impact of nature on our well-being and state of mind.
How beautiful leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.
In October, a maple tree before your window lights up your room like a great lamp. Even on cloudy days, its presence helps to dispel the gloom.
August is the month of the high sailing hawks. The hen hawk is the most noticeable. He is a bird of leisure and seems always at his ease.
When purple finches sing and soar with vernal gladness running o’er. When joys like these salute the sense, then waiting long hath recompense, and all the world is glad with May.
