CHAPTER XIV. 



MY LAST FIELD-DAY. 



My special field day came June 13th. In 

 some way the day had been left without any 

 plan, left to be filled as feelings dictated. On 

 such days, conditions favoring, we take to vhe 

 "old pasture" for it is ever rich in just the treas- 

 ures the nature lover seeks and prizes. Though 

 familiar with every path and nook and tree 

 and shrub, we always happen on choice finds. 

 The day was built for the occasion and the oc- 

 casion was equal to the demand, and this was 

 inspiration enough. My old "field friend" for 

 such trips was out in California, so I went alone. 

 There is a bit of selfish luxury in personal law- 

 lessness on such tramps. For I could walk or 

 sit, studying birds or squirrels or flowers or 

 clouds, and take no note of place or time. I 

 had no gun, that were a murderous weapon, 

 only a field glass and note book and two 

 sharpened fabers and a generous lunch, for one 

 does not get so hungry on an all-day tramp. 

 I took the early trolley and rode out three 

 miles to the old "Corbin place," crossed the 

 213 



