FALSE NOTIONS. 



167 



was in the same State of which New York was the 

 emporium, whose myriad spires pierced the heavens. 



I have been thus particular, because in no other 

 way can you get a correct idea of the daily life one is 

 compelled to lead who would penetrate these wilds. 

 It is nonsense to talk of dignity, and the impropriety 

 of a man's carrying a rifle and fishing-tackle, and 

 spending his time in shooting deer and catching trout. 

 Such folly is becoming to him only, who sits on the 

 piazza of a hotel at Saratoga Springs, at the expense 

 of twelve dollars a week for his health. I love nature 

 and all things as God has made them. I love the 

 freedom of the wilderness and the absence of conven- 

 tional forms there. I love the long stretch through 

 the forest on foot, and the thrilling, glorious prospect 

 from some hoary mountain top. I love it, and I know 

 it is better for me than the thronged city, aye, better 

 for soul and body both. How is it that even good men 

 have come to think so little of nature, as if to love her 

 and seek her haunts and companionship were a waste 

 of time? I have been astonished at the remarks 

 sometimes made to me on my long jaunts in the 

 woods, as if it were almost wicked to cast off the 



