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What May Be Learned from a Tree
Excerpt from What May Be Learned From a Tree
It was originally my intention to have published my Tree in eight parts, and to have brought them out in succession, as rapidly as possible; but I have decided, for the present, to stop at Part IV. A much larger subscription than I have yet obtained is necessary to enable me to carry out my original project. Trees will not grow without sap or sunlight, and if mine is, at present, only a mere shrub, and has not advanced to the condition of a California Sequoia, it is because I require more time and means.
Do not suppose, reader, that I am at all discouraged, or that I have the slightest intention to give up the work; but the present delay is absolutely requisite in order that I may be able to meet the expenses which I have incurred in its publication. An author who appears before the world in the character of a moralist, and a lover of Nature, must endeavor to live a pure and blameless life, and be upright and honorable in all business transactions.
No work which the press has received from my pen has been so much encouraged as the present one, and to my numerous kind friends and patrons I return my sincere thanks. It has been very welcome in many families, and I trust that it contains some good remarks which will do good. And here I must introduce a paragraph, printed on the cover of Part I: -
"The question is simply this: 'Will this book do me any good?' 'Is it worth its price?' Gentlemen are respectfully requested to read and judge for themselves. As the author of the book, I wish it to stand entirely on its own merits. I wish no man to buy my book unless he thinks its perusal will do him good?" .
It was originally my intention to have published my Tree in eight parts, and to have brought them out in succession, as rapidly as possible; but I have decided, for the present, to stop at Part IV. A much larger subscription than I have yet obtained is necessary to enable me to carry out my original project. Trees will not grow without sap or sunlight, and if mine is, at present, only a mere shrub, and has not advanced to the condition of a California Sequoia, it is because I require more time and means.
Do not suppose, reader, that I am at all discouraged, or that I have the slightest intention to give up the work; but the present delay is absolutely requisite in order that I may be able to meet the expenses which I have incurred in its publication. An author who appears before the world in the character of a moralist, and a lover of Nature, must endeavor to live a pure and blameless life, and be upright and honorable in all business transactions.
No work which the press has received from my pen has been so much encouraged as the present one, and to my numerous kind friends and patrons I return my sincere thanks. It has been very welcome in many families, and I trust that it contains some good remarks which will do good. And here I must introduce a paragraph, printed on the cover of Part I: -
"The question is simply this: 'Will this book do me any good?' 'Is it worth its price?' Gentlemen are respectfully requested to read and judge for themselves. As the author of the book, I wish it to stand entirely on its own merits. I wish no man to buy my book unless he thinks its perusal will do him good?" .
204 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1859
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