And you know once a man has fished, or watched the thrushes hovering in flocks over the village in the bright, cool, autumn days, he can never really be a townsman, and to the day of his death he will be drawn to the country.

Who keeps the tavern and serves up the drinks? The peasant. Who squanders and drinks up money belonging to the peasant commune, the school, the church? The peasant. Who would steal from his neighbor, commit arson, and falsely denounce another for a bottle of vodka? The peasant.

In countries where there is a mild climate, less effort is expended on the struggle with nature and man is kinder and more gentle.

What's the use of talking? You can see for yourself that this is a barbarous country; the people have no morals; and the boredom!

The air of one's native country is the most healthy air.