Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

The Eye

“Knaves and Tyrants, Beware! ThisLarus delawarensisis Upon You!”

(This slogan, bifurcated by a human eye instead of a Ring-billed Gull’s, was the motto of The Subterranean, 1843-1845. The rowdy — it was closed down for libel — NYC newspaper was founded by Mike Walsh, whose burly populism was deeply dyed with the virulent racism of the day — which just goes to show you, as we say in Brooklyn, Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.)

mthew

2 responses to “The Eye”

  1. Ruth Edebohls

    I love your website ! Such incredible image. Mike Walsh is buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in an unmarked grave.

    Reply
    1. mthew

      Thank you. I knew he was buried in Green-Wood, but not that his grave was unmarked. He succumbed to drink at the age of 49.

      Reply

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