XII. 



A THUNDER STORM A SOLUTION OF LIFE. 



Backwoods, July 12. 

 Dear E : 



Thunder storms are not particularly pleasant things 

 in the woods, but you are now and then compelled to 

 take them. I have just passed through one, and, like 

 all grand exhibitions of nature, they awaken pleasure 

 in the midst of discomfort. I have never witnessed 

 anything sublime, even though dangerous, that did 

 not possess attractions, except standing on the deck 

 of a ship in the midst of a storm, and looking off 

 on the ocean. The wild and guideless waves run- 

 ning half-mast high, shaking their torn plumes as 

 they come — the turbulent and involved clouds — 

 the shrieks of the blast amid the cordage, and groans 

 of the ship, combine to make one of the most awful 

 scenes in nature. Yet I loathe it and loathe my- 



