Read "Under the Maples" by John Burroughs online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
As I sit here of a midsummer day, in front of the wide-open doors of a big hay-barn, busy with my pen, and look out upon broad meadows where my farmer neighbor is busy with his haymaking, I idly contrast his harvest with mine. I have to admit that he succeeds with his better than I do with mine, though he can make hay only while the sun shines, while I can reap and cure my light fancies nearly as well in the shade as in the sun. Yet his crop is the surer and of more certain value to mankind. But I have this advantage over him -- I might make literature out of his haymaking, or might reap his fields after him, and gather a harvest he never dreamed of. What does Emerson say?
One harvest from the field Homeward bring the oxen strong; A second crop thine acres yield, Which I gather in a song.