THE EVOLUTION OF NATURE GUIDING 253 



No American animal is ferocious. 



Nature must be classed as friendly. 



Wild animals and birds play frequently and with 

 enthusiasm. 



Nearly all species of birds and animals are en- 

 deared to home — that is, they live within the bounds 

 of a local territory — and many have a permanent 

 home. 



Nothing equals the helpfulness of nature. But 

 unfortunately the vast majority of people sup- 

 pressed by busy and conventional conditions be- 

 lieve that outdoor excursions are uncomfortable 

 and dangerous, that altitude is harmful, that most 

 wild animals are ferocious, that nature, and es- 

 pecially the weather, is unfriendly; that animals 

 are dull beasts led by instinct and are irresponsible, 

 wandering gypsies; on the whole, it is believed 

 that nature has nothing of value to encourage as- 

 sociation with it. Nature guides can help in hav- 

 ing nature appreciated at its true worth, in cul- 

 tivating hospitality to changes of nature, and in 

 welcoming all kinds of weather and each new 

 experience. 



Pioneer men and women have in all ages been 

 famed for their alertness and individuality. They 

 are keen and alive and they are happy to be living. 

 Whitman makes the astounding assertion that all 

 grand poems, all heroic deeds, were conceived in the 

 open air. Certainly it is true that nature had 

 something to do with the education and the in- 



