198 BOULDER REVERIES. 



cies fly over the waters of such a stream each 

 season, varying wonderfully in size and color, 

 yet all with habits essentially the same. 



Along the lowlands of this rippling stream 

 and often springing from the shallow water are 

 the stems of that lowly, aromatic, semi-aquatic 

 herb, the peppermint. In the centuries that 

 have gone by how many stomach aches, both of 

 babes and mature humans, have the juices of 

 this homely plant relieved ! At the base of these 

 damp shady banks is its favorite abiding place. 

 Here its pungent fragrance permeates, un- 

 heeded, the surrounding air. I sometimes won- 

 der if browsing cattle ever suffer from the stom- 

 ach ache and find relief in the juices of its stems 

 and leaves. 



VI. 



April 8, '02. A balmy spring day has 

 dawned at last. All nature rejoices therefor. 

 A hen-hawk screams a challenge from the 

 heavens ; a flicker cackles in long continued ca- 

 dence; the frogs woo with music unique in ut- 

 terance ; a fox squirrel scolds and chatters from 

 the limbs of an oak across the ravine; while 



