Originally published in 1880, this is a collection of essays by the English nature writer and novelist Richard Jefferies. We are republishing this work with a brand new introductory biography of the author with the aim of placing it in the context of his other writings. The following passage is an extract from the author''s introduction: ''But the rapid progress of education in the villages and outlying districts is the element which is most worthy of thoughtful consideration. On the one hand, it may perhaps cause a powerful demand for corresponding privileges; and on the other, counteract the tendency to unreasonable expectations. In any case, it is a fact that cannot be ignored. Meantime, all I claim for the following sketches is that they are written in a fair and impartial spirit.''
