Windfalls

"Windfalls" by A. G. (Alfred George) Gardiner is a collection of essays from the early 1900s that weaves together observations of nature, personal stories, and life lessons, all brightened by Gardiner's clever humor and perceptive insights. The essays playfully examine topics like the charm of bees, the strange nature of human behavior, and the oddities found in how people relate to each other. The book starts with the amusing tale of Jemima, a drake mistakenly named at his christening, as he explores an orchard alongside the narrator and a group of friendly Indian runner ducks; these light-hearted moments lead into thoughtful discussions about knowledge, perception, and the challenges of being creative. The author uses these everyday scenes to muse on the importance of rest and the links between nature and our lives.