This Thing of Nature recounts the story of the rodsman Winchell as told by one of his most faithful followers. Inspired by the true events of the "Wood Scrape" in 1800, Winchell introduces the people of Middleton, Vermont to the practice of divining with hazel rods to discern the future and find hidden treasures. To his closest followers, Winchell reveals the biggest prize of all-a cache of buried gold left in the ground by the Native Americans. The only problem is the terrible guardian spirit that watches over the treasure. In order to find and secure the money, Winchell and his party must keep themselves pure, have faith in the power of the rod, and maintain perfect silence as they dig. And so, with that charge the rodsmen set out on their adventure. Will they find the mysterious loot, or will the terrible spirit whisk it away from under their shovels?