SUNSET. HEART OF^THE FOREST. 49 



consequence: and its waters are as- pure as Nature, in her 

 own chosen laboratories in the forest -clad mountains, ean 

 produce. It is the natural home for trout, who relish the 

 best things as well as an epicure or the most cultivated 

 aristocrat. which the trout, family is among fishes. 



Kvery sense \\as keenly alive to enjoy this unwonted 

 scene, as I sat and half reclined at my ease in the stern of 

 the boat, while the Strong, steady oar-strokes of my guide 

 swept us out from shore upon the smooth bosom of the 

 water. The morning had been beautiful. the approach- 

 ing evening was not less so. After his si rong and stately 

 course through the sky, the sun, about to depart, seemed to 

 mellow and soften witli tenderness toward the green toresls 

 and silvery waters, and 1 easily fancied lie lingered reluct- 

 ant to s ; iy good-night to so much loveliness. 1 am sun- 

 that with almost a human touch he kissed, with something 

 ver\ like a 'goodnight 1 " the lake, and then the timid 

 foliage that crept down to the eastern shore, and then 

 the sturdy, robust forest trees as they climbed up the 

 mountains, and at last the mountain brows themselves. 

 And was he not looking backward, with a little mist in his 

 e\e. for one more glance of recognition from his beloved 

 forest children, as he journeyed on with unabated vigor in 

 his tireless course towards the new morning? 



The stillness of the hour was unbroken by converse. 

 There was so much to receive that 1 hardly had a thought 

 to utter: and my honest guide, accustomed as he was to tin- 

 beauty and tender awe of such a scene, in the forest life he 

 had led, and ordinarily unobservant of it, was yet touched 



