ii 4 IN LOWER FLORIDA WILDS 



me and in an hour we distinguished a blur on the 

 water ahead which proved to be a launch and the 

 boys set up a cheer. When we came to it we 

 found to our disgust it wasn't ours. We aroused 

 the inmates, who were naturally a little peevish 

 at being disturbed in their sleep by so unpre- 

 possessing an outfit. So we began the search all 

 over again and at last joyful sight! our own 

 boat. Never before was sleep so sweet or better 

 earned. 



Why should an old man, past the age when 

 most persons seek adventure, leave a comfortable 

 home and plunge into the wilderness to endure 

 such hardships? What rewards can he receive 

 for it? I never return utterly worn out from such 

 a trip but that I vow it is the last. But in time 

 the hardships are forgotten and recollections of 

 the pleasant features only remain and I am ready 

 to start again. There is in all this a sort of fas- 

 cination not easy to explain the relief that comes 

 from being away from all the restraints and arti- 

 ficialities of communal life and then, the " call of 

 the wild." There is a wonderful inspiration in the 

 great out of doors. Everyone feels it, some more, 

 some less. Personally I cannot resist the call and 



