IX 

 WINTER IN THE BACKWOODS 



WE were on a long journey, and as we 

 proceeded northward the weather became 

 warmer and brighter. Our thoughts and con- 

 versation now turned upon summer plans. 

 The days became somewhat monotonous. There 

 was the same repetition of scenery. Frequently 

 we passed through a belt of forest timber that 

 would have brought a fortune if shipped abroad : 

 then there was the low-lying swamp, as a contrast, 

 with its thick, tangled saplings ; or a wilderness 

 of rock with deep clefts and dangerous hollows ; 

 or the valley and rugged hills bordering unnamed 

 lakes and rivulets ; or the twisting narrow path, 

 skirting the wooded gulley and fertile lowlands. 

 At night we would sit and chat by our camp 

 fire, sharing the long night-watches and lulled 

 to sieep by the mysterious music of the woods, or 

 the moans and howls of wolves. Several days 



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