20 



Travels in a Tree-top 



above were at rest. It was to be absolutely- 

 alone, as if the only living creature upon 

 earth. But ere long a gentle breeze would 

 spring up, there was a light and airy trem- 

 bling of the pines, and the monotone of a 

 whispered sigh filled the forest. Even this 

 was a relief, and what a joy if some lonely bird 

 passed by and even lisped of its presence ! 

 The dee-dee of a titmouse at such a time was 

 sweeter music than the choral service that 

 heralds the coming of a bright June morning. 



At noon, the day being torrid, there was 

 comparative silence, and yet as I looked about 

 me I saw ceaseless adlivity in a small way. 

 The ants were still journeying, and red ad- 

 miral and yellow swallow-tailed butterflies 

 came near, and the latter even passed high 

 overhead and mingled with the chimney- 

 swifts. Had I been on the ground, walking 

 instead of waiting, I should have sought some 

 sheltered spot and rested, taking a hint from 

 much of the wild life I was watching. 



AT NOONTIDE. 



Where cluster oaks and runs the rapid brook, 

 Repose the jutting rocks beneath the ferns j 



Here seeks the thrush his hidden leafy nook, 

 And wandering squirrel to his hole returns. 



