Thoreau writes in his journal:
  In correcting my manuscripts, which I do with sufficient phlegm, I find that I invariably turn out much that is good along with the bad, which is then impossible for me to distinguish—so much for keeping bad company; but after the lapse of time, having purified the main body and thus created a distinct standard for comparison, I can review the rejected sentences and easily detect those which deserve to be readmitted.  P.M.—To Walden via R.W.E.’s. I am surprised to see how bare Minott’s hillside is already . . .
Concord, Mass. Thoreau writes to Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris
Dear Sir,  
I return herewith—three volumes viz. Price on the Picturesque 1st vol. McCulloh’s Researches, and Josselyn’s Voyages.
Yrs
Henry D. Thoreau
