CHAPTER IX 

 BOOKS FOR HOLIDAYS IN THE OPEN 



I AM sometimes asked what books I advise 

 men or women to take on holidays in the 

 open. With the reservation of long trips, 

 where bulk is of prime consequence, I can only 

 answer: The same books one would read at 

 home. Such an answer generally invites the 

 further question as to what books I read when 

 at home. To this question I am afraid my 

 answer cannot be so instructive as it ought to 

 be, for I have never followed any plan in read- 

 ing which would apply to all persons under all 

 circumstances; and indeed it seems to me that 

 no plan can be laid down that will be generally 

 applicable. If a man is not fond of books, to 

 him reading of any kind will be drudgery. I 

 most sincerely commiserate such a person, but 

 I do not know how to help him. If a man or a 

 woman is fond of books he or she will naturally 

 seek the books that the mind and soul demand. 

 Suggestions of a possibly helpful character can 

 be made by outsiders, but only suggestions; 



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