194 THE ADVENTURES OF A NATURE GUIDE 



through the wilds. Nature ever is liberalizing, 

 and the nature guide is one of the forces moving 

 for the newer education and for the ideal of inter- 

 nationalism. 



Nature guiding is not like sight-seeing or the 

 scenery habit. The guide sometimes takes his 

 party to a commanding viewpoint or a beautiful 

 spot. But views are incidental. The aim is to 

 illuminate and reveal the alluring world outdoors 

 by introducing determining influences and the re- 

 spondent tendencies. A nature guide is an inter- 

 preter of geology, botany, zoology, and natural 

 history. 



This guide listened courteously to those who 

 wanted to display their own information — even to 

 those who indulged in nature-faking or told stories 

 that were whoppers; but he carefully avoided fol- 

 lowing their example. Local natural history he 

 often related, and he was sure of an interested 

 audience, for everyone enjoys local colour and is 

 glad to have past incidents brought to life. He was 

 a true guide. He had the utmost consideration 

 for those in his care, and a quick eye for the inter- 

 esting and the beautiful. He had the faculty of 

 being entertaining, instructive, watchful, and com- 

 manding, all without his party realizing it. He 

 held the climbers together, keeping everyone alert 

 and in good humour; he is doing a distinct and hon- 

 ourable work for the world. 



Children enthusiastically enjoy a day with a na- 



