Book excerpt: In this book Libby Robin explores the links between nature and nation. By looking at some of those who observe the natural world most closely--including scientists, field naturalists and farmers--she tells the story of how we as a nation have come to understand our land. Having left the cultural cringe behind, settler Australians are struggling with the 'strange nature' of this continent. Robin suggests new ways of living in an arid and urbanized continent in times of global change, and gives hope that Australia can move beyond the biological cringe.