First published in 1901, William J. Long’s Secrets of the Woods appears here in a refreshed paperback edition, framed by a concise new introduction and a carefully annotated appendix by Miles Whitman . These original notes help readers appreciate Long’s woodland encounters with twenty-first-century eyes, illuminating the ecology of New England’s temperate forests, the behavior of its shy inhabitants, and the rich American tradition of nature writing to which Long so vividly belongs. Silence is the best disguise—unless you know how to listen. First published in 1901, Secrets of the Woods gathers naturalist William J. Long’s most captivating field notes, recorded during patient, motionless hours in the forests of Maine and New Hampshire. Unlike hunters who track with rifles, Long tracks with wonder, revealing the hidden routines of shy wood folk—moose calling at dawn, fox kits learning to stalk, or a mother partridge feigning injury to protect her young. Across twelve short chapters, readers will: Meet unforgettable animal “neighbors.” Follow the night patrol of a big-horned owl, the underwater foray of a mink, and the winter engineering feats of beavers. - Learn the art of quiet observation. Long shows how stillness and respect invite animals to act naturally, turning the forest into an open-air classroom. - Discover nature’s moral lessons. Without moralizing, the author highlights courage, playfulness, cooperation, and parental devotion woven into every rustle of leaves. - Travel season by season. From spring thaws to snow-padded trails, each chapter captures the woods in a different mood and color palette. Written in warm, approachable prose, Secrets of the Woods bridges storytelling and science—ideal for: Family read-alouds that fire young imaginations without fictionalizing animal behavior. - Homeschool or Charlotte Mason curricula seeking “living books” for nature study. - Outdoor enthusiasts and birders who crave fresh eyes on familiar trails. - Readers of classic nature writing from John Muir to Henry Beston. Modern studies now confirm many observations Long made more than a century ago, proving that thoughtful presence—long before motion-sensor cameras—can reveal truths textbooks miss. Open these pages, step softly beneath cathedral pines, and learn the forest’s secrets one heartbeat at a time. Why You’ll Love This Edition Public-Domain Classic, Unabridged – the complete 1880 text, faithfully reset. - Fresh Editorial Content – Miles Whitman’s introduction and appendix add unique context unavailable in any other printing.