viii FOREWORD 



or poison-arrow, in shape of charging beast or 

 of scaly things that lurk in lake and river; it 

 shall lie in wait for him among untrodden for- 

 ests, in the swirl of wild waters, and in the blast 

 of snow blizzard or thunder-shattered hurricane. 



Not many men can with wisdom make such 

 a life their permanent and serious occupation. 

 Those whose tasks lie along other lines can lead 

 it for but a few years. For them it must nor- 

 mally come in the hardy vigor of their youth, be- 

 fore the beat of the blood has grown sluggish 

 in their veins. 



Nevertheless, older men also can find joy in 

 such a life, although in their case it must be 

 led only on the outskirts of adventure, and al- 

 though the part they play therein must be that 

 of the onlooker rather than that of the doer. 

 The feats of prowess are for others. It is for 

 other men to face the peril of unknown lands, 

 to master unbroken horses, and to hold their 

 own among their fellows with bodies of supple 

 strength. But much, very much, remains for 

 the man who has "warmed both hands before 

 the fire of life," and who, although he loves the 

 great cities, loves even more the fenceless grass- 

 land, and the forest-clad hills. 



The grandest scenery of the world is his to 

 look at if he chooses; and he can witness the 



