A Year in the Fields

"A Year in the Fields" by John Burroughs is a collection of nature writings composed in the late 19th century. The book explores the observations and reflections of Burroughs as he engages with the natural world through the seasons, capturing the intricate details of wildlife and the beauty of the landscape. Focused primarily on his experiences in the Catskills region, it combines elements of personal memoir with keen ecological insight. The opening of the text introduces readers to Burroughs's contemplative style, starting with a vibrant description of a snowstorm. He reflects on the quiet anticipation of snowfall, detailing the transformation of the landscape and the activities of local wildlife as winter progresses. Burroughs vividly illustrates the snowfall's effects on the environment, evoking each sensory detail, from the visual beauty to the subtle sounds that characterize a winter scene. His appreciation for the interplay of natural phenomena sets the tone for the rest of the selections within the collection, inviting readers to enter a world filled with wonder and a profound respect for nature’s cycles. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Burroughs was an American naturalist and nature essayist, active in the conservation movement in the United States. The first of his essay collections was Wake-Robin in 1871.