328 SOUNDS FEOM TREES. 



own harmony ; and, by a little reflection, we shall dis- 

 cover that echoes are a part of the universal life pf na- 

 ture. It is in winter, however, that they most sensibly 

 afiect us. In summer we feel that we are not alone ; for 

 mOlions of voices declare the presence of innumerable 

 happy creatures, chirping and singing around us. In 

 winter these voices are mostly sQent. It is then that 

 these invisible deities, who were supposed by the ancients 

 to dwell in hidden places in the form of beautiful 

 nymphs, return cheerful responses to all sounds that are 

 awake. When the solitary woodman strikes his axe at 

 the root of the tree, his benevolent echo responds to the 

 sound, reminding him that he is not alone; and the 

 consciousness of this presence animates him to more 

 cheerful exertion. 



