Adventures with a Texas Naturalist

Texas Naturalist Roy Bedichek takes us on a close look at the nature of Texas in this classic work first published in 1947.

“Alliances, mutual dependencies, parasitisms, preyer and preyed-on, linkages joining into one chain a dozen widely differentiated forms, and other relationships amazingly intricate weave all life, animal and vegetable, into the unity of one vast organism. It is exciting, especially when we of more mystical inclinations fancy we feel a pulse of sympathy beating through it all.”

Yes, a naturalist, but also a philosopher. Bedichek lets his eye linger on simple things—fences, birds, flowers, cedar trees—and the glance becomes gaze and gaze leads to thought and thought leads to deep pondering and this meditation on Texas flora and fauna. It's a sweet walk in the past, but Bedichek's meditations remain timely.