The Palladium reports on Thoreau’s lecture of 20 April:
Life In The Wood. A sylvan philosopher (Mr Thoreau of Concord,) delivered a lecture at the City Hall Friday evening. his discourse was intended as an autobiography of two years of life in the woods;—an experiment by the lecturer to illustrate, not perhaps so much the absurdity of the present organization and customs of society, as the ease with which a man of resolution and stern expedients may have ample leisure for the cultivation of his intellectual powers and the acquisition of knowledge. This sylvan philosopher, after leaving college, (perhaps a little charmed by some “representative” man) betook himself to the woods, where they slope down to the margin of a lakelet . . . His lecture was a history of his experience; and is said to have been witty, sarcastic, and amusing. Such philosophers illustrate the absurdities the human mind is capable of. What would a forest of them be good for? Nothing but curiosities for people to look after, as they pay their shilling to see a menagerie. They are watches without any pointer; their springs and wheels are well adjusted, and perform good service; but nobody is the wiser for it, as they do not tell the time of day. They are a train of carwheels; they run well, and in good time, but can carry no passengers or luggage. A wheel-barrow, with an Irishman for its vitals, renders the world a far better service.
