BIRCH BROWSINGS 175 
the descent. I noticed that the woods were much 
thicker, and had quite a different look from those 
Lhad passed through, but thought nothing of it, as I 
expected to strike the lake near its head, whereas 
I had before come out at its foot. We had not gone 
far when we crossed a line of marked trees, which 
my companions were disposed to follow. It inter- 
sected our course nearly at right angles, and kept 
along and up the side of the mountain. My impres- 
sion was that it led up from the lake, and that by 
keeping our own course we should reach the lake 
sooner than if we followed this line. 
About half way down the mountain, we could see 
through the interstices the opposite slope. I en- 
couraged my comrades by telling them that the lake 
was between us and that, and not more than half a 
mile distant. We soon reached the bottom, where 
we found a small stream and quite an extensive 
alder swamp, evidently the ancient bed of a lake. I 
explained to my half-vexed and half-incredulous com- 
panions that we were probably above the lake, and 
that this stream must lead to it. “Follow it,” they 
said; “we will wait here till we hear from you.” 
So I went on, more than ever disposed to believe 
that we were under a spell, and that the lake had 
slipped from my grasp after all. Seeing no favor- 
able sign as I went forward, I laid down my accou- 
trements, and climbed a decayed beech that leaned 
out over the swamp and promised a good view from 
the top. As I stretched myself up to look around 
from the highest attainable branch, there was sud- 
