15 



and looking at the fire-scorched ruins, reflect upon the transitor}' na- 

 ture of all earthly plans. Between the high cellar- walls the fireweed 

 ( Epilobium aiigustifolium ) glows with brilliant color, contrasting with 

 the blackened trunks of the ancient trees. 



Then to the right, down the steep hill, we ride for an hour or 

 more, on winding roads, through thicket and brush, 



"A land of trees, which reaching round about. 

 In shady Idessing stretched their ohl arms out, 

 With spots of sunny openings," 



Moccasin Flower. 



in the shade of maple, pine and oak woods, silent, cool, and filled with 



beauties, where 



" The pines are whispering in the breeze 

 Wliispering — then hushing, half in awe — 

 Their legends of primeval seas," 



emerging finally tipon the broad highway in the middle of Ashburn- 

 ham, to rettirn throtigh the long village street at the Jtmction. 



