Chapter VIII

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

having or provided with a belt

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

a genus of birds of the family Alcedinidae

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading This highly original character is the only member of the kingfisher family in our part of the country.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading This highly original character is the only member of the kingfisher family in our part of the country.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

the top line of a hill, mountain, or wave

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

past form of “eliminate” — terminate, end, or take out

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading Yet there is little or no protection extended to him by law.

the petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris)

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

a social unit living together

From this reading This highly original character is the only member of the kingfisher family in our part of the country.

resembling or suggesting a feather or feathers

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

a barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a passage but admitting air

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading This highly original character is the only member of the kingfisher family in our part of the country.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Yet there is little or no protection extended to him by law.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

nonpasserine large-headed bird with a short tail and long sharp bill; usually crested and bright-colored; feed mostly on fish

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading Yet there is little or no protection extended to him by law.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Yet there is little or no protection extended to him by law.

be about

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading This highly original character is the only member of the kingfisher family in our part of the country.

used to form the superlative

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

not any; not one

From this reading Yet there is little or no protection extended to him by law.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

and nothing more

From this reading This highly original character is the only member of the kingfisher family in our part of the country.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Yet there is little or no protection extended to him by law.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading This highly original character is the only member of the kingfisher family in our part of the country.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading This highly original character is the only member of the kingfisher family in our part of the country.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading This highly original character is the only member of the kingfisher family in our part of the country.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

a humble request for help from someone in authority

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

an excavation that is (usually) filled with water

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

the activity of protecting someone or something

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

plural of “rapid” — a part of a river where the current is very fast

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

the painted structures of a stage set that are intended to suggest a particular locale

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

not in physical motion

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

a spirit that lives in or frequents the woods

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

plural of “tell” — a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

in or at that place or location

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This highly original character is the only member of the kingfisher family in our part of the country.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

-ing form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

a social division of (usually preliterate) people

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading A PLEA FOR PROTECTION As I loiter along the banks of a sylvan stream about the first of April, looking for the return of some of the feathery tribe, there falls upon my ears a sound, hoarse and grating as described by ornithologists, but to my ears most pleasant, for it tells me that a fine bird, the belted kingfisher (_Ceryle alcyon_), has arrived for the season.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

marked by repeated turns and bends

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With his crest plainly visible, in strong flight he is following the course of the winding creek.

covered with growing trees and bushes etc

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading It would be a calamity indeed if he were eliminated from the scenery of the wooded banks, the tossing rapids, and the still pool at the foot of the falls.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet there is little or no protection extended to him by law.