INTRODUCTORY 



The Trail to Woods and Waters 



THE trail to woods and waters was a double 

 one that I followed with eager feet in 

 summer or in winter. 



The first branch of this winding trail 

 started just under an old pair of bars, where 

 we let the cows through from a crooked lane 

 into the barnyard. 



Each morning I let down these bars, and 

 started the cows for pasture and each night 

 I put them up again when the cows were 

 driven home. 



The trail wound about many a grassy 

 hillock or mossy hollow and around many 

 a jagged stone through the lane to the pas- 

 ture, for it was a cows' path, and all cow 

 paths are crooked. Many a sharp stone 

 lurked in ambush for bare feet. 



