In the open : $b intimate studies and appreciations of nature

"In the Open: Intimate Studies and Appreciations of Nature" by Stanton Davis Kirkham is a collection of essays exploring the beauty and intricacies of nature, likely written in the early 20th century. The text weaves a poetic and reflective examination of the relationship between humanity and the natural world, emphasizing the value of direct engagement with the outdoors. The author appeals to the reader's curiosity and desire to connect with the diverse life found in woods, fields, and gardens. The opening of the book sets the tone by inviting readers into the serene world of nature and encapsulating the joy of experiencing its wonders firsthand. Kirkham describes the beauty of the changing seasons, the arrival of spring, and the vibrant life of birds and flowers awakening after winter. He shares intimate observations of various flora and fauna, encouraging readers to appreciate the subtleties and symphonies of the natural world. The text invites a contemplative engagement with nature as a restorative and enriching experience, advocating for a deep companionship with the environment that surrounds us. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Stanton Davis Kirkham was a naturalist, philosopher, ornithologist and author. Although widely travelled, he resided primarily in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. He was born in Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France, the only child of Major Murray S. Davis and Julia Edith Kirkham Davis, daughter of Gen. Ralph Wilson Kirkham, Union Army general, who adopted Kirkham and brought him to the United States. He was named after Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, whom his father had served as an aide. He attended public schools in California and later graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.