THE SPRUCE, ETC. 303 



in a tree or flower, and we think Nature reveals her- 

 self to a select few. What a foolish error of judg- 

 ment ! It is ourselves who accomplish the revelation, 

 whatever that may be ; it is our own fault if we do 

 not succeed. We do not admit Nature to an inti- 

 macy which it is the privilege of some cherished 

 friend to enjoy, and we charge her with being un- 

 fathomably mysterious and enigmatical. 



Thank God, one sweet-spirited man could testify 

 to the contrary ! Many of us who are city bred 

 would be glad to possess at least some small portion 

 of his understanding of her. I believe we may pos- 

 sess not only a share but a fullness of this understand- 

 ing, if we will only spend less time in the drawing 

 room and more in the woods ; then, perhaps, in the 

 presence of the everlasting, forest-clad hills, we can 

 confidently say, with Whittier : 



Transfused through you, mountain friends ! 

 With mine your solemn spirit blends, 

 And life no more hath separate ends. 



I read each misty mountain sign, 

 I know the voice of wave and pine, 

 And I am yours, and ye are mine. 



Life's burdens fall, its discords cease, 



I lapse into the glad release 



Of Nature's own exceeding peace. 



21 



