A Hermit's Wild Friends; or, Eighteen Years in the Woods by Mason Augustus Walton
"A Hermit's Wild Friends; or, Eighteen Years in the Woods" by Mason Augustus Walton is a reflective account written in the early 20th century. This narrative captures the author's experiences during nearly two decades of solitude spent in nature, documenting his observations of the wildlife around him. Walton introduces readers to various creatures, including birds and woodland animals, offering keen insights into their behaviors and interactions within their natural environment. The beginning
of the book sets the stage for Walton's transformation from a city-dweller struggling with health issues to a rejuvenated hermit living in the woods near Gloucester. He recounts how he sought refuge in nature as a remedy for his ailments, leading to significant improvements in his health and vitality. As he establishes his life among the trees and wildlife, Walton emphasizes the wonders of nature, detailing his early days of observation, including his experiences with the cowbird, raccoon, and song sparrows, which hint at deeper themes of coexistence and the intelligence of animals. The narrative blends autobiographical elements with rich natural history, making it a heartfelt tribute to the beauty and complexity of the natural world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
A Hermit's Wild Friends; or, Eighteen Years in the Woods
Original Publication
United States: Dana Estes & Company,1903.
Note
Reading ease score: 79.7 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Contents
Nature versus medicine -- Satan the raccoon -- Wabbles -- Bismarck, the red squirrel -- Changes in hermit-life -- The white-footed mouse -- Three years later -- The crow -- Life in the woods -- Mr. and Mrs. Chewink -- Some of the wild things -- The instinct of the cowbird -- Bee hunting -- Tiny -- The chestnut-sided warbler -- Instinct -- The chickadees -- Triplefoot.
Credits
Tom Cosmas compiled from materials made available at The Internet Archive and placed in the Public Domain.
