In Deep, Dark Woods. 



FEW men and a forest ; many men and a 

 desert. So it seems, to the regret of those who 

 have a greater liking for Nature than for arti- 

 ficiality ; for the earth with Nature as a caretaker 

 rather than endless fields under man's super- 

 vision. Woods both deep and dark are not of 

 necessity a matter of long ago, known to us but 

 by hearsay, nor need they be boundless in ex- 

 tent or the growth of centuries. Nature can 

 readily rebuild when man relinquishes his hold, 

 and though the farmer has drained the last drop 

 of life-blood from the long-suffering soil, Nature 

 knows where the overlooked springs of fertility 

 lie hidden, and, seeking their aid, by her chemic 

 art distils vigor from earth and air that defy 

 man's efforts. Let him withdraw, and, on the 

 barren soil amid the few foul weeds that stand, 

 suggestive grave-marks to departed worth, anew 

 will spring up the pine and beach and oak. I 



243 



