170 THE FACE OF THE FIELDS 



those least noticeable, — negative qualities of hon- 

 esty, directness, sincerity, euphony; noticeable 

 only by their absence. Yet in Mr. Burroughs 

 they amount to a positive charm. Indeed, are 

 not these same negative qualities the very sub- 

 stance of good style ? Such style as is had by a 

 pair of pruning-shears, as is embodied in the ex- 

 quisite lines of a flying swallow — the style that 

 is perfect, purposeful adaptability? 



But there is more than efficiency to Mr. Bur- 

 roughs^ style ; there are strengths and graces ex- 

 isting in and for themselves. Here is a natural- 

 ist who has studied the art of writing. " What 

 little merit my style has," he declares, "is the 

 result of much study and discipline." And whose 

 style, if it be style at all, is not the result of much 

 study and discipline. Flourish, fine-writing, wordi- 

 ness, obscurity, and cant are exorcised in no other 

 way ; and as for the " limpidness, sweetness, fresh- 

 ness," which Mr. Burroughs says should charac- 

 terize outdoor writing, and which do characterize 

 his writing, how else than by study and discipline 

 shall they be obtained ? 



Outdoor literature, no less than other types 

 of literature, is both form and matter ; the two 



