1 68 In Touch with Nature. 



sticks, each as large as the creature's body, and, 

 withal, walk down a steep hill covered with loose 

 stones, this was the most marvellous of the many 

 strange sights I witnessed. But I was in part on 

 the same errand, and strove to learn a lesson from 

 this patient donkey. I followed closely at his 

 heels, watching every movement. Unfortunately, 

 I have but two legs and the donkey rejoiced in 

 four, and that I should imitate successfully with 

 two limbs the movements of a quadruped was not 

 to be expected. How, when, where, and why I 

 threw my legs about I cannot now recall, but at 

 last my antics caused both the Mexican and his 

 burro to halt, and I sat down upon a jagged rock 

 utterly bewildered. After that it was a matter of 

 careful climbing, with but here and there an occa- 

 sional step upon some kindly level ledge; and 

 so, without serious mishap, the valley road was 

 reached, with, I trust, a proper feeling of thank- 

 fulness. I have said, " without serious mishap," 

 but this bears reference to my body only. I was 

 still in distress. Into what strange shapes my 

 clothes had been converted, and how freely the 

 passing breeze swept through them ! Now that I 



