350 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



the seasons of business activity. But too often, alas, they 

 labor in vain, and find that the " bubble reputation," or 

 the " wealth that sinews bought," has in a moment been 

 swept away, after years of toil and anxiety. Or, if they 

 make their footing sure, they find, too often, that the re- 

 sult has only been attained at the expense of a permanent 

 impairment of health, for which the dearly bought treasure 

 is but a sorry recompense; and the oft-imagined and fondly 

 looked for goal, of a life of peace and quiet and the en- 

 joyment of the hard-earned competency, has been realized 

 to be one of short continuance, or of long bodily suffering. 



To keep pace with the rapid strides of trade and traffic, 

 as much labor is now performed in one day, as was 

 formerly done in a week. Consequently, between the 

 busy seasons, or " heats," in this race for wealth and place, 

 men find it absolutely necessary not so much from choice, 

 as necessity to rest and recuperate, and build up the ex- 

 hausted energies, the tired brain and relaxed muscles, and 

 to gird up the loins for renewed efforts. 



The necessity being acknowledged, the question then 

 arises : in what way can this rest and recreation of the 

 muscular and nervous tissues of the body be best attained ? 

 When men think of rest and relaxation, their thoughts 

 turn naturally to the woods, to the fields, to running streams 

 and quiet lakes, or the sea-shore. If it is simply a Sunday 

 stroll, their steps naturally and irresistibly lead them to 

 green fields, or the river side ; or a drive along the 

 country road with its hedges, and birds, and crossing 

 brooks. If it is a day's holiday, it must be a picnic in 

 the grand old woods, and near a lake, or stream, or at 

 least a babbling rill. The very idea of perfect rest is as- 

 sociated with mossy banks and cool sparkling waters. It 



