IN THE WHITE WOODS 



but for to-day I was to feel the chill joy 

 of it. 



A ruffed grouse was the first wood- 

 land creature not to see me. I stalked 

 around a white corner almost upon him 

 and stood poised while he continued to 

 weave his starry necklaces of footprints 

 in festoons about the butts of scrubby 

 oaks and wild-cherry shrubs. He too 

 was barred from the denser tangle which 

 he might wish to penetrate. He did not 

 seem to be seeking food. Seemingly there 

 was nothing under the scrub oaks that 

 he could get. It was more as if, having 

 breakfasted well, he now walked in medi- 

 tation for a little, before starting in on 

 the serious business of the day. He too 

 was wearing his snowshoes, and they 

 held him up in the soft snow fully as well 

 as mine supported me. His feet that had 

 been bare in autumn now had grown 

 177 



