Page:Thoreau - His Home, Friends and Books (1902).djvu/151

Rh Allusion has been made to "some private business" which Thoreau wished to accomplish at Walden. Mr. Channing is inclined to regard this as a restrictive reference to writing and he calls the hut "a writing-case." It is true that he already had essayed authorship but he felt the need of much preparation. His unique and conscientious nature sought years of reflection and observation before he was ready to say,—"My work is writing." The depth and complexity of his thoughts on nature and life distinguish his volumes from those of the casual author of books on similar themes. At Walden during the winter months he studied and wrote, reviewing in sad, yet placid, memory the week's voyage with his brother, and preparing the journal notes and interpolated thoughts for publication. He also recorded and compiled his observations on nature before and during the Walden residence. One must recall, however, that "A Week on the Concord and Merrimack," was not published until two years after he left Walden and that the book which commemorates his life in the woods was deferred, partly for financial reasons, for six years later. While writing formed part of his "private business," another important part was leisurely reflection and philosophic inquiry, combined with