In early days we sold ferns and wild flowers to city people, harvested the sap of the maples in spring, and the nut crop of the fall.

Later, as we wanted more, we trapped for skins, and collected herbs for the drug stores.

This opened to me a field I was peculiarly fitted to enter.

I knew woodcraft instinctively, I had the location of every herb, root, bark, and seed that will endure my climate; I had the determination to stick to my job, the right books to assist me, and my mother's invincible will power to uphold me where I wavered.
"As I look into your faces, men, I am struck with the astounding thought that some woman bore the cold sweat and pain of labour to give life to each of you.

I hope few of you prolonged that agony as I did.