CHARMING VIEW. 21 7 



indications that we were about to make our exit from 

 this region of densely-packed forest ? 



It was near sunset when my surmises that we 

 were approaching an open space no longer remained 

 doubtful. This conviction imparted to me additional 

 vigour, and I unconsciously so sharpened my speed 

 that my companion asked me in a querulous tone, 

 'where the deuce I was running to/ In a minute 

 afterwards, a view broke upon us so charming, so 

 tranquil, that I was forced to halt and contemplate 

 it at leisure. We had before us a lake, the surface 

 of which, smooth as that of a mirror, was studded 

 with islands covered with the richest foliage. The 

 water was as blue as that of the Mediterranean in 

 the calmest day of summer, as transparent as crystal, 

 and the banks were fringed with the darkest green 

 leaves, while the hue of the distant hills resembled 

 the softest shades of amber and purple ; reminding 

 me of those little lakes that have attracted so many 

 delighted visitors to Cumberland. 



Beneath a giant birch, hoary with lichen, vener- 

 able from the quantity of ragged bark that in 

 dishevelled locks hung around its sides, we disen- 

 cumbered ourselves of our loads. Although it was 

 my turn to light the camp-fire and take charge of 

 the culinary arrangements, my companion volunteered 

 to perform these duties. I gladly accepted his offer, 

 and wandered off to a distance, wishing to commune 

 alone with the great and beautiful works that 

 on every hand surrounded me. Man and his society 



