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Show 207, in lexicon granaries for the words I want. But if some loquacious angel were to touch my lips with literary fire, bestowing every word of Webster, I would scarce thank him for the gift, because most of the words of the English language are made of mud, for muddy purposes, while those invented to contain spiritual matter are doubtful and unfixed in capacity and form, as wind-ridden mist-rags. This kind of complaint is not that of an escapist, but of a serious artist. He was trying to find a strategy which would allow him to write essays which would not be artificial, but which would capture the essential flow of Nature. Some of these pronounciations suggest that Muir was a reluctant prophet indeed. One might account for his attitude toward the public by admitting frankly that the typical tourist is not very attractive, when observed by the hotel employee, guide, or ranger. Muir no doubt suffered from the occupational hazard which affects so many who work in the Parks, who wish to live in Nature, but must deal with the public to make a living. Most employees who live in Yosemite are in constant contact with what the National Park Service calls the "Park Visitor." The lower the employee's status, the more frequent the contact. Imprisoned in a fee collection booth, or behind the desk of a visitor's center, one meets people who seem only interested in their own comfort, and who want to know where to find a bathroom. This gives rise to many jokes among Park employees. I offer my brother's favorite. He |
