Preface 



FROM earliest childhood the forest is a place of 

 interest. It is first known as the mysterious haunt 

 of some good fairy or wicked elf. Then it becomes 

 a playground for youth: the scene of many 

 vigorous rompings by the boys and of not a few 

 of the quieter pastimes of the girls. Later it 

 furnishes the shaded resort for picnics and excur- 

 sions. It is a place preferred above all others by 

 the devotees of gun and rod. To students of Na- 

 ture and others of a thoughtful turn of mind, it is 

 the sequestered retreat wherein is the atmosphere 

 of inspiration to lofty purposes and high ideals. 



The charm of the forest is not confined to any 

 particular rank or body of people. The magnifi- 

 cence and splendor of its natural growth, the 

 peace and quiet of its dusky recesses, the sights 

 and sounds of its wild life all have their irre- 

 sistible appeal, not only to the keen student and 

 ardent frequenter, but to the casual observer 

 and chance visitor as well. 



Even the most thickly populated and built- 



