168 THE ADIRONDACK. 



gravity of society, and wander like a child amid the 

 beauty which G-od has spread out with such a lavish 

 hand over the earth. Why, I should as soon think of 

 feeling reproved for gazing on the midnight heavens, 

 gorgeous with stars, and fearful with its mysterious 

 floating worlds. I believe that every man degenerates 

 without frequent communion with nature. It is one 

 of the open books of Grod, and more replete with 

 instructions than anything ever penned by man. A 

 single tree standing alone, and waving all day long its 

 green crown in the summer wind, is to me fuller of 

 meaning and instruction than the crowded mart or 

 gorgeously built town. 



