Bethel, Maine
1912.
January 4
(No 3)
[January 4, 1912]

  What I have thus far written fails, I fear, to do
justice to its subject. For never before in my experience
with these northland woods in winter have I known them to be so very 
attractive. There was just enough snow both on the trees
and under them to bring out most effectively the rich,
dark green of the balsams and spruces, the lighter green of the
pines, the olive green of the arbor vitae, the white stems of
the birches and the grayish trunks of the maples. The sunlight
seemed all pervasive and well-nigh as clear and strong as in
April. The breathless stillness, due to entire absence of wind,
was delightfully restful as well as impressive. It might perhaps have
been somewhat oppressive, also, but for the birds whose sweet 
voices, coming every now and then from far and near,
served just sufficiently to relieve its tension on the senses
and to add a grateful note of gladness to the infinite
calm and serenity of the forest depths.