STEEP TRAILS 



lowlands, though it comes in glorious abun- 

 dance on the mountains. And only on the 

 mountains does the temperature fall much 

 below the freezing-point. In the warmest sum- 

 mer weather a temperature of eighty-five de- 

 grees or even more occasionally is reached, but 

 not for long at a time, as such heat is speed- 

 ily followed by a breeze from the sea. The 

 most charming days here are days of perfect 

 calm, when all the winds are holding their 

 breath and not a leaf stirs. Then the surface 

 of the Sound shines like a silver mirror over 

 all its vast extent, reflecting its lovely islands 

 and shores; and long sheets of spangles flash 

 and dance in the wake of every swimixiing 

 seabird and boat. The sun, looking down on 

 the tranquil landscape, seems conscious of the 

 presence of every Uving thing on which he is 

 pouring his blessings, while they in turn, with 

 perhaps the exception of man, seem conscious 

 of the presence of the sun as a benevolent 

 father and stand hushed and waiting. 



