William Bartram Quotes

A collection of quotes by William Bartram.

William Bartram was an American botanist, naturalist, and explorer born on April 9, 1739, in Kingsessing, Pennsylvania. He was the son of famous botanist John Bartram and grew up surrounded by his father's love for plants and nature. William inherited his father's passion and became an influential figure in the field of American natural history.

In the 1770s, Bartram embarked on an adventurous journey, exploring the southeastern region of North America, often referred to as the British colonies. During his expeditions, he meticulously documented the flora, fauna, and Native American cultures he encountered. His vivid and detailed observations were published in his renowned book, "Travels through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida," which became a significant contribution to the understanding of the region's natural history.

Aside from his travels and publications, Bartram also played a crucial role in introducing numerous North American plants to Europe. Through his connections and knowledge, he facilitated the exchange of seeds and plants between the Old and New Worlds.

Bartram's efforts and contributions to American natural history earned him recognition and respect from his contemporaries and later generations of scientists. His work laid the groundwork for future explorations and studies of American nature, leaving an enduring legacy in the field. William Bartram passed away on July 22, 1823, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire and educate naturalists and botanists to this day.

The attention of a traveller, should be particularly turned,

The attention of a traveller, should be particularly turned, in the first place, to the various works of Nature, to mark the distinctions of the climates he may explore, and to offer such useful observations on the different productions as may occur.

William Bartram


On the recollection of so many and great favours and blessin

On the recollection of so many and great favours and blessings, I now, with a high sense of gratitude, presume to offer up my sincere thanks to the Almighty, the Creator and Preserver.

William Bartram

Great

Having contemplated this admirable grove, I proceeded toward

Having contemplated this admirable grove, I proceeded towards the shrubberies on the banks of the river, and though it was now late in December, the aromatic groves appeared in full bloom.

William Bartram

Nature

If we bestow but a very little attention to the economy of t

If we bestow but a very little attention to the economy of the animal creation, we shall find manifest examples of premeditation, perseverance, resolution, and consumate artifice, in order to effect their purpose.

William Bartram

Environmental

Animal substance seems to be the first food of all birds, ev

Animal substance seems to be the first food of all birds, even the granivorous tribes.

William Bartram

Food

First I shall name the eagle, of which there are three speci

First I shall name the eagle, of which there are three species: the great grey eagle is the largest, of great strength and high flight he chiefly preys on fawns and other young quadrupeds.

William Bartram

Strength

My progress was rendered delightful by the sylvan elegance o

My progress was rendered delightful by the sylvan elegance of the groves, chearful meadows, and high distant forests, which in grand order presented themselves to view.

William Bartram

Nature