1 86 THE ADVENTURES OF A NATURE GUIDE 



guide pointed out that the right or north wall 

 rises steeply in the sun and is covered with a scat- 

 tered growth of stocky, long-armed pines. The 

 left or south wall, which faces north, has a crowded 

 growth of short-armed, tall spruces. In the bot- 

 tom of the canon between these closely approach- 

 ing, but unlike forests is a lively stream with a few 

 accompanying firs, willows, and flowers. 



Each member of the party remembered some- 

 thing of plant distribution and each contributed 

 something to the discussion concerning plant zones, 

 slope exposures, temperature, and moisture — the 

 determinism of ecological influences. When the 

 scraps of information ceased the guide added that 

 each canon wall also had its special kinds of insect 

 and mammal life, and that each of these tree species 

 had its peculiar insect enemies and its bird and 

 animal neighbours. Then, too, each individual 

 bird and animal, every pair or flock claimed a small 

 bit of territory and commonly lived closely within 

 this, likewise insisting on neighbours keeping within 

 their own reservation. 



The nature guide is at his best when he discusses 

 facts so that they appeal to the imagination and to 

 the reason, gives flesh and blood to cold facts, 

 makes life stories of inanimate objects. He deals 

 with principles rather than isolated information, 

 gives biographies rather than classifications. Peo- 

 ple are out for recreation and need restful, intel- 

 lectual visions, and not dull, dry facts, rules, and 



