142 AMERICAN FOREST REST-CAMPS. 



is generally entirely impossible : as in the heavy forest 

 there is generally a sort of subdued light even in the 

 day-time, and the night is therefore pitch-dark. 



Consequently, where the night closes in, there the 

 wayfarer must remain till daylight returns; the brief 

 preparations are therefore quickly made and if needs 

 be a small space is cleared of obstructions ; a sufficient 

 supply of dry wood is collected to last the night, and 

 sprays of deliciously scented pine branch tops (usually 

 termed " browse") are arranged to form an elastic 

 couch, upon which the traveller generally finds there 

 is no difficulty in obtaining the most delightful repose 

 so much so, that in America, as we have mentioned 

 in our opening pages, many men who are over- 

 worked and harassed by the continual turmoil of 

 city life, make it a practice every year to take a 

 few weeks well-earned rest, encamped in the tranquil 

 recesses of the woods "Locus quietis et tranquilitatis 

 plenissimus." * Here, far from the cares and worries 

 of the great world, in an atmosphere laden with the 

 balsamic incense of the pine trees, should the weather 

 be propitious, many men find that they can obtain 

 that complete rest for the nervous system which is 

 not to be had anywhere else. Even consumptive 

 patients have sometimes tried it, with marked benefit 

 to their condition. 



A night camp in the forest, in some sheltered nook 

 beneath the shade of these grand old trees, is an 

 experience which rarely fails to leave a deep and 

 lasting impression upon the mind ; and passages culled 

 from the works of many travellers show that almost 

 all of them have felt and recognised its influence. 



* Cicero, de Oratore, i, I. 



