LooKING FOR ANTLERS. 14G 



to our respect and further notice, and not forgetting the size 
and trim shape of his aristrocratic foot, we shall be often 
looking for the print of it in the snow, and endeavor to 
gain a better acquaintance with him some time when he may 
pass over our stamping grounds. Standing upon the end of 
the ridge and looking down the steep descent in the direction 
of and listening, we catch the sound of the laughing gurgle of 
the mountain brook, and down we step for luncheon. 
Luncheon time in the depth of the wildwood, after an easy 
going stroll of a few miles over the hills through the pure 
bracing air, brings an appetite to be envied and we would not 
trade our seat to-day beside the brook, for one at the best 
hotel. Sitting beside this merry little stream which never 
fails us, and is always having a lively song whenever we have 
called upon it, as its waters are hastening on their way, leap- 
ing down over the dark, mossy rocks, then straight along by 
the big pine log, into, and overflowing the small pool, and on 
down to the little fall which makes the music so inviting to 
all that hear it calling, when it bobs up and down in a few 
tiny rolling waves, and goes on zigzagging in and out, and 
again down among the alders, where the lively school of 
small baby trout have all hastened upon seeing our shadows 
darkening the pool. 
And here lies the old down hollow pine, covered with 
snow to-day, but its dry inside is yet the favorite race track 
of the happy squirrels, that only stop a moment from their 
play to eye us, then barking, again dart in and out as merrily 
as before being disturbed. And upon the old pine log below 
the breeze, and with the sunshine warm upon us, we have 
our luncheon, sitting upon a goodly armful of fir boughs 
which, as we break them from the trees beside us, they as 
