"Frost is the greatest artist in our clime - he paints in nature and describes in rime"

In this quote, Thomas Hood is applauding the work of Robert Frost, a renowned American poet. Hood describes Frost as the "biggest artist" in their area, suggesting that he is extremely competent and skilled in his craft. He goes on to explain that Frost's art is not limited to conventional mediums such as paint, but rather he paints with nature itself. This might be translated as Frost's capability to record the beauty and essence of nature in his poetry. Hood also discusses "rime," which is another word for rhyme, indicating that Frost's descriptions of nature are not only visually sensational but likewise poetic and lyrical. In general, this quote highlights the appreciation and regard for Frost's artistic capabilities and his distinct method to catching the natural world in his writing.