“If man were not insensible to the beauty of nature the great works necessary for the purposes of commerce might be carried on without destroying it, and at times might even contribute to her charms by rendering her more accessible; but it is not so.  They desecrate whatever they touch.  They cut down the forests with a wantoness for which there is no excuse, even gain and leave the herbless rocks to glimmer in the burning sun.”

– Thomas Cole