I can honestly say, Jim Byford tells us, I've never met a piece of land I didn't like. In these engaging essays -- drawn from a lifetime of observation and enjoyment of the earth's natural bounty -- Byford shares with us his love of the land. He reminds us of our dependence on the land, how we have drifted away from it, and our need to re-connect to it.Byford opens by entreating us to slow down, to savor and respect the land, and to get in touch with its rhythms. He follows with his reflections on the four seasons and the qualities that define each one. Then he invites us to take a look at the animals, both four-legged and feathered, that share the land with us and make it interesting. Finally, he guides us toward a fuller understanding of the land, helping us recognize our own place within the larger natural world and our duty to conserve what nature gives us. Throughout these pieces, Byford deftly interweaves tales of his outdoor adventures, practical advice on managing the land's resources, and bits of his personal insight and philosophy. Whether writing about how to prepare wild game, about the feeding habits of crows, or about how the lessons of nature might be imparted to children, Byford maintains a direct, appealing style that will entrance anyone who seeks a keener understanding of what the land offers.