evidence of his phlegmatic temperament and lei- 

 surely habit of mind. Footprints of the ruffed 

 grouse show that he has on his snow-shoes, inas- 

 much as they are feathered, broad and lobed rather 

 than angular. The squirrel leaves evidence of his 

 impetuous ways, moving always impulsively, and 

 the snow makes plain record of the fadt. Tracks 

 of deer seem to bespeak their innocence, as that 

 of the fox might be said to have a sinister purport, 

 doubtless because the hoofprints have a gentle 

 suggestion and imply the herbivorous diet. 



In the winter walk the eye finds relatively so 

 little to hold it, that it rivets itself upon minute 

 details, dissed:ing that which might pass unnoticed 

 at other seasons. Form and outline come into 

 prominence while color is in abeyance. , We must 

 now perforce judge the trees by this standard. Who 

 shall describe the winter beauty of the beech as it 

 stands stripped and naked to the winds like an 

 athlete, every muscle and sinew in evidence, every 

 outline expressive of reserve power and self-assur- 

 ance — a clean-limbed, stout-hearted tree, dauntless 

 before all gales? Its trunk is a superb torso, and 

 with its roots it reaches down to the heart of the 

 earth, draws sustenance therefrom and derives heat 

 156 



