A Thousand-Mile Walk 
southward direction by the wildest, leafiest, 
and least trodden way I could find, promising 
the greatest extent of virgin forest. Folding my 
map, I shouldered my little bag and plant 
press and strode away among the old Ken- 
tucky oaks, rejoicing in splendid visions of 
pines and palms and tropic flowers in glorious 
array, not, however, without a few cold shad- 
ows of loneliness, although the great oaks 
seemed to spread their arms in welcome. 
I have seen oaks of many species in many 
kinds of exposure and soil, but those of Kentucky 
excel in grandeur all I had ever before beheld. 
They are broad and dense and bright green. In 
the leafy bowers and caves of their long branches 
dwell magnificent avenues of shade, and every 
tree seems to be blessed with a double portion 
of strong exulting life. Walked twenty miles, 
mostly on river bottom, and found shelter in 
a rickety tavern. 
September 3. Escaped from the dust and 
squalor of my garret bedroom to the glorious 
forest. All the streams that I tasted hereabouts 
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