Peripatetic Meditations 



enough to give a passing thought to the Indian 

 that was, hut not such fixed attention that the 

 present is lost sight of. Now, with what is, is 

 none too trifling for our strength. Let us solve 

 the problem set before us as did the Indian that 

 which confronted him in past ages. The har- 

 vest that I yearly gather from this one-time 

 home of another race is better for me than the 

 venison and berries that were cooked over the 

 coals which still blacken the ground where I 

 stand. It is enough to know that the Indian 

 once possessed the land and that now I have 

 taken his place. Nature expects other results 

 from me. What is expected? That I would 

 know. When the Indian I meet in the realm of 

 shades, it will be time enough to compare notes. 



It is a pleasing thought that water can run 

 rapidly, yet without noise ; swift, sure and silent. 

 Not so with ourselves. There is a great bustle 

 attending our least efforts. We are apt to com- 

 mand attention more by the noise we make than 

 the good we effect. 



Across the ploughed field is a long line of 

 button-bushes and these border a lively little 

 creek. Where I reached it, the stream has 



177 



