But presently they become
individualized and centre in some Erasmus, or obscure thinker,
and from a voice in the air, become a living force on the earth.
They multiply and seem contagious, and assume a thousand new forms.
They grow quarrelsome and demonstrative, impudent and conceited,
crowd themselves in where they have no right, and would fain
demolish or appropriate every institution and appointment of
society. But after a time they settle into their proper relations,
incorporate themselves in the world, and become new sources of power
and progress in history.
This quotation is especially significant, as it shows the writer's
already keen observation of the birds, and his cleverness in
appropriating these facts of nature to his philosophical purpose.
How neatly it is done! Readers of "Wake-Robin" will recognize a
part of it in the matchless description of the bluebird which is
found in the initial essay of that book.
In 1860, in the "Leader," there also appeared a long essay by Mr.
Burroughs, "On Indirections." This has the most unity and flow of
thought of any thus far. It is so good I should like to quote it
all. Here are the opening paragraphs:--
The South American Indian who discovered the silver mines of Potosi
by the turning up of a bush at the roots, which he had caught hold
of to aid his ascent while pursuing a deer up a steep hill,
represents very well how far intention and will are concerned in
the grand results that flow from men's lives.
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