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WHITE POND 



June 14, 1853. To White Pond. How beautifully 

 the . northeast shore curves! The pines and other 

 trees so perfect on their water side. There is no raw- 

 ness nor imperfection to the edge of the wood in this 

 case, as where an axe has cleared, or a cultivated 

 field abuts on it; but the eye rises by natural grada- 

 tions from the low shrubs, the alders, of the shore 

 to the higher trees. It is a natural selvage. It is com- 

 paratively unaffected by man. The water laves the 

 shore as it did a thousand years ago. Such curves in 

 a wood bordering on a field do not affect us as when 

 it is a winding shore of a lake. This is a firmer edge. 

 It will not be so easily torn. 



Journal, v, 251. 



MOUNTAIN LAUREL 



June 23, 1852. The mountain laurel, with its milk- 

 white flower, in cool and shady woods, reminds one 

 of the vigor of nature. It is perhaps a first-rate flower, 

 considering its size and evergreenness. Its flower- 

 buds, curiously folded in a ten-angled pyramidal 

 form, are remarkable. A profusion of flowers, with an 

 innocent fragrance. It reminds me of shady moun- 

 tainsides where it forms the underwood. 



Journal, iv, 130. 



