"In the late 1800's" is an introductory adverbial prepositional phrase. We can safely ignore it. All it does is modify the verb "were".
To illustrate the author’s calm, contemplative mood
This is the best description for the excerpt. The author illustrates his mood with words that identify his mood at the moment when he wrote it. He has written about his thoughts as well and his view of nature.
pasttimes that need dexterity
