A 'Thousand- Mile W^alk 
disturbed. They flitted excitedly close to my 
head, as if scolding or asking angiy questions, 
while several beautiful plants, strangers to me, 
were looking me full in the face. The first bo- 
tanical discovery in bed! This was one of the 
most delightful camp grounds, though groped 
for in the dark, and I lingered about it enjoying 
its trees and soft lights and music. 
Walked ten miles of forest. Met a strange 
oak with willow-looking leaves. Entered a 
sandy stretch of black oak called “Barrens,” 
many of which were sixty or seventy feet in 
height, and are said to have grown since the 
fires were kept off, forty years ago. The farm- 
ers hereabouts are tall, stout, happy fellows, 
fond of guns and horses. Enjoyed friendly 
chats with them. Arrived at dark in a village 
that seemed to be drawing its last breath. Was 
guided to the “tavern” by a negro who was ex- 
tremely accommodating. “No trouble at all,” 
he said. 
September 5. No bird or flower or friendly 
tree above me this morning; only squalid garret 
[ 6 ] 
