Scratching the Woodchuck, David Kline, 1997 

Kline is an Amish farmer in Fredericksburg, Ohio, and a fine heir to the naturalist/writer tradition of Gilbert White from the 18^th C and Henry David Thoreau of the 19thC.  In several dozen short essays, Kline expresses his appreciation for the natural world and for the Amish community which enables him to live in close contact with that world.  His descriptions of the birds, the wild animals from woodchucks to red foxes, the spring wildflowers, and the animals which enable the farm to produce its hay, corn, and wheat are straightforward and lovely in their plainness.  His is an acute eye and appreciative heart.  He quotes Thoreau who wrote, “Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.”   Good advice lived by Kline and his neighbors on a daily basis.  This is a relaxing, restful, and interesting book to read for anyone who loves nature and has ever had a passing thought about being a farmer.