In Winter Quarters 



sally forth, and the boy who loves 

 woodcraft will then find occupation 

 a-plenty studying the dainty traces 

 of their wanderings through the freshly 

 fallen snow. But the virgin snow is a 

 great betrayer of the forest creature's 

 secrets. The tiniest bird or beast that 

 sets foot upon the delicate surface 

 advertises that which it would fain 

 conceal. The writings of these folk 

 on the snow are easily deciphered by 

 their enemies, as well as by their 

 friends. 



There is nothing finer in the world 

 than tramping the woods after a heavy 

 snowfall has obliterated all the road- 

 ways, paths and trails; provided you 

 only think so; provided you have still 

 some of the primal instincts left in 

 your system after civilization has done 

 its worst for you; provided always you 

 are properly dressed for the adventure. 

 Next to this I used to like a horseback 

 ride through a heavy rain if "slicker" 

 and leggings were available. Rain-in- 

 [86] 



