In Deep, Dark Woods. 247 



and might readily be classified as the furniture 

 dealer does the chairs, sofas, and couches of his 

 stock in trade. I have them all here, and if 

 not elaborately upholstered, they are at least 

 strongly put together, equal to all reasonable 

 demands upon them, and can we say this of all 

 the joiner-work that finds place in houses ? No 

 oak-root chairs have ever creaked because I sat 

 down too suddenly, but if they did there would 

 follow no black looks from the hostess because 

 of my lack of care. To sit in the woods, then, 

 and on a safe and sound seat, has this additional 

 merit, we do not sit in silence, even if we so 

 elect. If no living creature comes to at least 

 so much as look at you, your own thoughts will 

 keep you company. The wind that gently stirs 

 the branches of a forest will make you think, 

 however assiduously you may court dreamless 

 sleep, and thoughts born in such a place, at 

 such a time, are never unworthy of your better 

 self. Is it true that you cannot, however hard 

 you try, think when alone in deep, dark woods ? 

 Be careful how you admit it, lest it be wondered 

 if you ever think at all. 



So suggestive is every woodland tract that 



