THE INFLUENCE OF NATURE. 71 



fearful with its mysterious floating worlds. I believe 

 that every man degenerates without frequent commu- 

 nion with nature. It is one of the open books of 

 God, and more replete with instruction than anything 

 ever penned by man. A single tree standing alone, and 

 waving all day long its green crown in the summer 

 wind, is to me fuller of meaning and instruction than 

 the crowded mart or gorgeously-built city. 



But Mitchell has arisen from his couch of leaves, 

 where he has been reclining silent and thoughtful as 

 his race, and is looking up to the sky and out upon 

 the lake, and I know something is afoot. 



