6 Preface 



but those which make the contrast between nature 

 and artificiality. Nothing under the sky is so pure 

 and sweet as virgin forests and waters, nor is there 

 anywhere such beauty and refinement in art as that 

 which pervades them. Solitude brightens society, 

 and society sweetens solitude. The monotony of 

 the home gives exhilaration to the tent, and the 

 tent gives appreciation for the home. We are not 

 to seek contrasts between things that are desirable 

 and those which are offensive, but find restful vari- 

 ety rather in that which is pleasing both in nature 

 and in art. We shall find in the wilderness not only 

 new objects of interest, but we will discover in our- 

 selves, both in mind and in body, new powers and 

 new capacities for activity and enjoyment. 



Note. — Some years ago, at the solicitation of friends, I 

 gathered a bunch of my Camp-Fire Musings and published 

 them in a small volume. It was well received, and ran to 

 a sale of a few thousands, but being unsatisfactory to myself, 

 it was withdrawn. Some of the contents of that volume 

 have been recast for this, a notice that is due to any into 

 whose hands a copy of the former book may have fallen. 



W. C. G. 



