Moods of the Ohio Moons

by Merrill C. Gilfillan

For almost thirty years, Merrill Gilfillan has written outdoor columns devoted primarily to describing and creating moods about the world of nature. These columns are informed by a rural background and field notes from more than sixty years of outdoor experience. In Gilfillan's words, Observation is more of the mind than of vision; our attitude is the secret of original observation. I choose the subjective approach to outdoor enjoyment. I did this after training in zoology and twenty years of field work as a wildlife biologist?.We should learn to seek our own original view of what we observe?.The scientific method is necessary to gain facts, but the manner in which one experiences the facts is what will determine their final value to the individual and, perhaps, to society. Moods of the Ohio Moons is the product of this subjective method of observation, balanced with scientific knowledge, and intended to encourage readers to explore their own individual appreciation and understanding of nature. Twelve essays, one for each month, relate incidents and events?weather, diagnostic events, vegetation an wildlife, agriculture, trends of land use, an the wild harvest?that contribute to the mood of the time. As Gilfillan demonstrates, each month has its mood established primarily by nature and only secondarily by humans.

149 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1991

Reviews

[Brady Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, subjective view and documentation of Ohio through the year. From someone living in Pennsylvania, a lot of the phenology held true from our neighbors.

It’s given me a new perspective and way to view and enjoy the months and seasons.

[Bat713 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want a copy for my library

[David Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second reading of Moods of the Ohio Moons. I grew up in Ohio but haven't lived there over 50 years. Nevertheless, I continue to enjoy reading about the place that had a significant effect on my formative years.

The book is a collection of twelve essays covering the natural year starting in January. The essays are evocative and lyrical, but also factual. Unfortunately, as the Midwestern contemporary world moves further and further away from its agricultural foundations, the essays--written when farming was the norm and Ohio's population levels were much lower--seem increasingly outdated. Gilfillan invokes Currier and Ives scenes often in the essays, and all too often the tableaux he depicts could only occur in the early 20th century or before.

Clearly, October was Gilfillan's favorite month (as it is mine); the essay about October is the longest and most detailed in the collection.

In addition, I am not a hunter, and Gilfillan revels in hunting and trapping. He makes a case for the value of hunting and trapping, and his points are valid, but they don't sway me much. He just delights too much in killing wild animals for my taste.

I probably won't reread this a third time.