"The first duty of a naturalist is that of accuracy."
This quote emphasizes the importance of precision and factuality in natural science, particularly for those who study and document the natural world - in this case, a naturalist. Accuracy refers to diligent observation, meticulous recording, and thorough understanding of the subjects under investigation. This commitment to accuracy ensures credibility and fosters progress in scientific discovery and conservation efforts.
"I am, at present, engrossed in collecting and arranging my materials for a great work which I have commenced upon a plan so extensive and costly that it will consume the remainder of my life."
This quote by John James Audubon suggests his unwavering dedication to his life's work, an extensive and expensive project involving collecting and arranging materials for what would become a groundbreaking and monumental work on ornithology (the study of birds). Despite the enormous time and financial investment required, he was fully committed to seeing it through, understanding that the project would likely consume the rest of his life.
"The river, with all its windings, is but a short cut compared to the direct route on foot."
This quote suggests that taking an indirect or circuitous path (like following a winding river) may be more efficient or practical, especially when walking long distances, than taking the most straightforward route on foot. It implies that sometimes, deviations from the direct path can offer a richer experience, as one might encounter more sights, sounds, and opportunities along the way compared to a straight line.
"I am happy in the hope of being able to make two or three more trips for the purpose of completing my work."
This quote by John James Audubon expresses his enthusiasm and dedication towards his life's work – documenting North American birds through paintings and detailed descriptions. He was looking forward to embarking on additional expeditions, with the goal of enhancing and completing his significant body of ornithological work.
"How much more do I feel for those who are confined in cities and towns far from the fields and woods, and can hardly ever get a peep at nature in her wildest and loveliest moods!"
This quote by John James Audubon expresses his empathy towards individuals who live in urban areas, away from nature's beauty and tranquility. He implies that he deeply feels for those who are deprived of direct experiences with the wilderness, where they can observe nature in its purest and most beautiful form. This sentiment suggests a strong connection between human beings and the natural world, as Audubon believes that access to nature's "wildest and loveliest moods" is essential for a full and enriching life experience.
Surrounded by all the members of my dear family, enjoying the affection of numerous friends, who have never abandoned me, and possessing a sufficient share of all that contributes to make life agreeable, I lift my grateful eyes towards the Supreme Being and feel that I am happy.
- John James Audubon
There is the morass, wherein you plunge up to your knees, or the walking over the stubborn, dwarfish shrubbery, whereby one treads down the forests of Labrador; and the unexpected bunting or sylvia which perchance, and indeed as if by chance alone, you now and then see flying before you, or hear singing from the ground creeping plant.
- John James Audubon
From the top of a high rock, I obtained a good few of the most extensive and dreary wilderness I ever beheld. It chilled the heart to gaze on these barrens of Labrador. Indeed, I now dread every change of harbor, so horridly rugged and dangerous is the whole coast and country to the eye, and to the experienced man either of the sea or the land.
- John James Audubon
Reader, persons who have never witnessed a hurricane, such as not unfrequently desolates the sultry climates of the south, can scarcely form an idea of their terrific grandeur. One would think that, not content with laying waste all on land, it must needs sweep the waters of the shallows quite dry to quench its thirst.
- John James Audubon
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