swamp, so strong was the suggestion of swamp 

 life. Spagnum grew in places along the trail, and 

 the fern moss was in evidence on the rocks. False 

 hellebore was abundant, and on the very top stood 

 a poison sumac a typical bog plant. Yet the 

 summit was rocky and covered for the most part 

 with stunted balsam as thickly matted together as 

 a hedge. The mountain pokes its cold head up 

 into the clouds, and is continually refreshed by the 

 dews of heaven. In some unaccountable manner 

 the swamp plants, as if guided by instinft, ascend 

 and find their natural environment at the top. 



When I descended, it was to leave spring behind 

 with every step, not again to meet her in that 

 year. 



68 



