STEEP TRAILS 



I venture nothing in saying there is no coun- 

 try in the world that possesses waters like 

 these." And again, quoting from the United 

 States Coast Siu^ey, "For depth of water, 

 boldness of approaches, freedom from hidden 

 dangers, and the immeasurable sea of gigan- 

 tic timber coming down to the very shores, 

 these waters are unsurpassed, unapproach- 

 able." 



The Sound region has a fine, fresh, clean 

 climate, well washed both winter and summer 

 with copious rains and swept with winds and 

 clouds that come from the mountains and the 

 sea. Every hidden nook in the depths of the 

 woods is searched and refreshed, leaving no 

 stagnant air; beaver meadows and lake-basins 

 and low and willowy bogs, all are kept whole- 

 some and sweet the year round. Cloud and 

 sunshine alternate in bracing, cheering suc- 

 cession, and health and abundance follow the 

 storms. The outer sea-margin is sublimely 

 dashed and drenched with ocean brine, the 

 spicy scud sweeping at times far inland over 

 the bending woods, the giant trees waving 

 and chanting in hearty accord as if surely 

 enjoying it all. 



Heavy, long-continued rains occur in the 

 winter months. Then every leaf, bathed and 

 brightened, rejoices. Filtering drops and cur- 



224 



