Scott Burton, Forester

by Edward G. (Edward Gheen) Cheyney

"Scott Burton, Forester" by Edward G. Cheyney is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Scott Burton, a young man determined to pursue a career in forestry despite his father's hopes for him to follow in the medical profession. As Scott prepares for his new life away from home and the close companionship of his best friend, Dick Bradshaw, he embarks on a journey that will not only challenge his academic ambitions but also test his character and social skills in a new environment. The beginning of the novel introduces Scott just before he leaves his small New England hometown for a forestry school in Minnesota. He expresses a strong desire to explore the outdoors and a passion for nature, which sets him apart from his father's medical aspirations. As he discusses his plans with Dick, we get a glimpse of their friendship, characterized by mutual support and a hint of jealousy about the separation. Scott's arrival at the university is marked by confusion as he struggles to navigate the unfamiliar city and interact with new acquaintances, a theme that highlights his transition from the sheltered life he has known toward the independence and maturity he must achieve as a forester.