I have lately been surveying the Walden woods so extensively and minutely that I now see it mapped in my minds eye - as, indeed, on paper - as so many mens wood-lots, and am aware when I walk there that I am at a given moment passing from such a ones wood-lot to such anothers. I fear this particular dry knowledge may affect my imagination and fancy, that it will not be easy to see so much wildness and native vigor there as formerly.

Summary

In this quote, the speaker reflects on how extensively they have explored the Walden woods, to the point of being able to mentally visualize and map out the various wood-lots owned by different individuals. However, they are concerned that this detailed knowledge may start to diminish their sense of imagination and wonder when walking through the woods. They worry that their understanding of the woods in terms of ownership and boundaries may hinder their ability to appreciate the untamed and natural beauty that they were once able to perceive effortlessly.

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