The Lay of the Land

by Dallas Lore Sharp

The Lay of the Land features fifteen nature sketches written from Sharp’s personal observations of the land and its inhabitants over a number of years. Subjects include muskrats preparing a home, Christmas in the woods, buzzards nesting and much more. The title chapter urges the reader to spend time observing nature for themselves.“Nature study is the out-of-door side of natural history, the unmeasured, unprinted side of poetry. It is joy in breathing the air of the fields; joy in seeing, hearing, living the life of the fields; joy in knowing and loving all that lives with you in your out-of-doors.” - Dallas Lore SharpThis edition is complete and unabridged and features all of the illustrations from the 1922 printing to provide the best possible reading experience.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, School

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1908

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Dempsey and I read this as part of the Charlotte Mason Ambleside Online curriculum. Sharp wrote this book in 1908, motivated by a desire to share his love of nature with those who had lost touch with the land. I love his narrative style and the way his mind works, not bearing down hard to make his point, but circling gently, herding along the tangential points, bringing it all together into a harmonious conclusion. The essays in this book are about various creatures and flora on his property. I guarantee you that if you read this, you'll be eager to get outside and start looking around with a more alert eye.

[Ruth Uhlemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this because my oldest girl told me I had to; it had made such a deep impression on her when she read it for school last year. This book is a beautiful picture of a year lived closely with nature. Made up of short sketches of the authors time spent studying the living wild things around his farm. It is quietly moving and beautifully written. I loved it

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dallas has a way of writing that makes you realize how much you miss seeing what is happening around you because of busyness. He inspires me to look more and be intentional about taking time in nature. He has many interesting stories of incidents in nature that are intriguing

This book works for children and adults alike.

[Brit Chhangur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pre-read for AO year 7 and LOVED IT. Reminded me of Wendell Berry.
"Nature study is the out-of-door side of natural history, the unmeasured, unprinted side of poetry. It is joy in breathing the air of the fields; joy in seeing, hearing, living the life of the fields; joy in knowing and loving all that lives with you in *your* out-of-doors."

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite natural history book. There are parts that are nicely poetic but then it's hard to follow what he's describing as well. I think it's better when he's giving more straightforward observations.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, inspirational musings.

[Autumn Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so incredible. It changed my view on so many things. I love nature so much more now. Definitely recommend for every person ever.

[Abigail Whitcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved seeing nature through his perspective!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just lovely

[Tana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, LOVE this book! This guy is a naturalist and talks about what he sees out in the woods at various times of the year. Also has interesting discussions such as learning as a naturalist (going out and observing nature in action) vs as a biologist (dissecting things in the lab). A very good read. Great for relaxing in the evening.