Aldo Leopold: His Life and Work

Ch. 8: On Top (1913-1915)

8 On Top (1913-1915) HAD LEOPOLD remained in Tres Piedras, he probably would have died. The doctor in Santa Fe correctly diagnosed his case as an attack of acute nephritis, known also as Bright's disease. Two days prior to the Jicarilla inspection tour, Leopold had mentioned in his work diary that he was "sick." This unspecified illness, combined with the subsequent exposure to the Jicarilla elements, seems to have brought on the attack. In effect, Leopold's kidneys had failed, and for eight days lymph and toxins accumulated in his body tissues. The errant prescription he received in Chama may have exacerbated the inflammation. Leopold was immediately ordered to bed, buried in blankets, fed "sweating pills," and restricted to a special diet. He survived the initial attack, but his fate was unclear. Nephritis was poorly understood at the time, and its treatment uncertain. The medical wisdom of the day held that overexertion could lead to a relapse, and that a relapse would almost certainly be fatal. Still critically ill, he was ordered to remain in bed for six weeks and entrusted to the care of Estella and the Bergere household.1 Outwardly, Aldo maintained a cavalier attitude of composure. "I am very cheerful & confident that all will be well," he wrote to Arthur Ringland . "Drop me a line when you have time-it will be hard work keeping me on my back for six weeks."2 Ringland had an uncommon concern for his men, personally and professionally. He paid a visit to Santa Fe, and reported back to an assistant in Albuquerque, "I hope [Leopold's condition ] is not as serious as I am inclined to believe."3 Beyond Leopold's guard of optimism were more honest expressions of concern, relief, and gratitude. His encounter with death was at fearfully close range, and he knew it. He had plenty of time while lying in bed to ponder it. Estella became both his nurse and his reason to be nursed; his 124 On Top life, he realized more than ever, was no longer his alone. "I'll make it sure," he wrote to his father, adding with his usual protectiveness, "with a little wife like mine I want to use every resource to make sure."4 Raymond Marsh took over as acting supervisor of the Carson. Leopold requested six weeks' sick leave. He was "restless to do something," but obediently stayed in bed, following doctor's orders and swallowing pills. As the weeks passed, he lost weight and failed to regain his strength. It became plain that his recovery, still not assured, would be slow at best. The doctor recommended that he travel to Burlington's lower altitude. Leopold asked for an extension of his leave without pay until August. He made it clear to Ringland that the decision was not his own. "My plans about going east were made by the doctor, Ring. I would like to return to work sooner, but I had a narrow escape and had better behave. Am 'progressing splendidly'- all or practically over my attack, but getting stout is really harder than getting well, it seems."s On June 6, 1913, Leopold gingerly arose from his bed. He and Estella boarded the train and went to Burlington. Up until his harrowing ride out of the Jicarilla, Leopold had always enjoyed fine health, never suffering anything more serious than eyestrain, nervous tension, and an occasional cold. He was, of course, an indefatigably active outdoorsman, and never more so than during his years on the Apache and Carson; the intermittent adversities had always been a slight price to pay for the compensatory thrills. Now, in the middle of his twentysixth year, drained of his strength and under dire orders not to overexert himself, ,Leopold faced an indefinite period of complete inactivity. Turned inward by circumstances, Leopold was now presented with the opportunity to reflect on, assimilate, and undoubtedly to appreciate, his intensely outdoor experiences and values. Aldo, a month and a half disabled, and Estella, five and a half months pregnant, were welcomed into 101 Clay Street. Aldo was yet, as much as ever, Clara's favorite concern in life. With his return, and Estella expecting , she turned mother again. Carl Leopold was now fifty-five years old, still going down to the factory every day, still golfing and hunting and tending the spring asparagus beds. His factory burdens had eased since Carl Jr. had graduated from Yale and joined him in managing the company...