Boston, Poet Lore Company, 1905. Inscribed by Clara Barrus to John Burroughs and also signed by Burroughs. A 30-page chapbook by Barrus, who, after writing to Burroughs in 1901 became, for two decades, his friend, secretary, traveling companion, (presumed mistress), biographer and literary executor. This early volume in their acquaintance set out to define Burroughs as a "poet naturalist," placing him first in the line of Gilbert White and Thoreau, and then in the line of Emerson and Whitman; it also tells how Barrus came to Burroughs' "Slabsides" cabin and of time spent there with him. This copy is inscribed by Barrus: "To John Burroughs, A souvenir of the day on which his just found warmth & light shelter in the dear Retreat. Clara Barrus/ January 13, 1905." Beneath the inscription, Barrus has added a quote from Whitman: "However welcome the hospitality that surrounds us we are permitted to retain it but a little while." The volume is later signed by John Burroughs on Sept 7, 1908 [?]." Apparently Burroughs signed it before gifting it, as the volume then had a treasured and documented afterlife: the front cover now reads: "Souvenir given by the poet naturalist John Burroughs/ West Park NY/ to R. Howard Wallace/ Morristown NY/ and left by him to his granddaughter Jessie M. Wallace/ Morristown NY." There is an additional note on the rear cover naming the friend who provided the "letters here enclosed," although no letters are enclosed: there are however notes on Barrus and Burroughs in an unknown hand; a printout of a 1919 Barrus letter; an obituary of Burroughs from Normal Instructor and Primary Plans; a newspaper photo of Burroughs at Riverby at age 81; and another photo of Burroughs ("At the Study Door") taken from A Year in the Fields. One line underlined on page 27; text block detached from covers; a good copy in wrappers. Barrus's first book about Burroughs, and a historic association copy. [#036846] $1,500