The Press., 1890-11-27
tFor The Press.) ECHOES FROM MAINE.
BY REV. EDGAR F. CLARK.


 The summers heat had passed. Au- tumn, in her psrticolored dress, stood on the hill-tops, while at her side, Jack Frost drew his silver arrow for gay blossoms and golden fruit. Martens and swallows had twittered their farewell song on barn and telegraph wires, while the farme gathers the tasselled corn and the mer- chant prepares for his increased business.
 The hour was not nnanticipated. Rest less rods and rifles felt the change and welcomed the halcyon season. Hearts that had beat but slowly caught the soft music of September, and changed their minor into major strains.
 Three ladies, Mrs. Helen M. Clark, Mrs. Ruth Whiton and Miss Georgie A. Washburn, of Stafford Springs, Conn.,, de- termined to visit Dame Nature in her rus set robes and prepare themselves for the benefits and beauties of Maine forestry. Mammoth trunks are called for warmth and convenience stamp the altered vest ments hght firearms are hastily impro- vised and put in practice while curiosity duO cADcObduOy 6IO dIUuSCu Four men, Messrs. Andrew Whiton, M. H. Washburn, W. G. Ellis and E. F. Clark, have decided on the same destina- tion, and are prepared for months vaca- tion amid the lakes, streams and forests of the north. Rifles are examined lines are tested: compass aud whistle are packed i; ample bedding is folded, and business ar ranged for absence. At a meeting of these parties the organization is effected, D. F. Clark is chosen president, Miss Georgie A. Washburn secretary, Andrew Whiton commissary and treasurer, and the re mainder form the executive committee. It is mild way of speaking to say that the officers performed worthily their duties, and that much of the harmony and pleas ure of the trip arose from the thorough manner i'll which the respective duties were fulfilled. It was not a small matter l to select the place of destination. Maine is as large as all the rest of New England Her lakes, rivers, forests are uncounted and especial reference must be had 10 the comfort aud pleasure of the ladies. Wo men, thoug h the eqnal of men, are not the same as men in tastes and endurance. The ambition and needs of the men must not be forgotten. Will it be possible to satis- | fly the conditions of all, so that Madam Grundy will not join the party ere the close, and poison the cup of forest joys Time alone can tell.
 And now the last sermon is preached the last bit of business despatched, the last article is crowded into the trunks, and a hurried s'good- bye' is spoken. Shall we all meet again? Mo- for pale faces wa:ct from the window to catch the last benison ssSuch is life." But it need not freeze the pleasures of the good, who go to the etern al home of radiant pleasure. In the floods of death God picks up gems for His crown and on the grave of righteousness pleasures are thicker and greater than at bridal al tar or royal feast The good need never fear to drink the chalice of sinless pleasure
 The 18th of September last found the 'sautumn foresters" at the depot, waiting for the "iron horse" to drag them to the balmy thickets of northeastern Maine Notice the party. The ladies first deserve attention. There sits one who certainly needs the change. The face, if not lean is not rotund. Nevertheless the torches O wit burn brightly amid her words, and hel steps and appetite are as elastic as rubber Like the owl, she can see light in tht darkness, and the day never dawned tha did not bring her something to enjoy | Her mind is sieve, that collects beauties and rejects the unpleasant, while in th' shadows of life the fire flies of happiness are ever fitting. @ l Over there sits another whose locks ar' silver now. The trip to the wildwoods Ii evidently an experiment.. Her mind, lik' pendulum, ever and anon, swings back l ward to home. friends and ocean board Don't you think queenly preciseness anl 1 nr1or xuiIl al1ffcr frial in thn ling log cabin? Not many mirrors are there. Who dare smuggle mirrors ano razors into camp? Take in as much true womanhood as you choose. In fact, take all you have, but leave out the silk hose and kid gloves nobody will thank you fol them, and you will not thank yourself.
 At the left sits the thlrd lady. The rose on the face is slightly faded. I wonder il the forest has magic fingers to retouch the picture and hand us back perfection. Will the sylvan naiads be propitiated and re- store the nectar and ambrosia of robust health2 Any way, she IS not backward in making the trial. She has decided, and you may as well try to push Niagara uI stream as to stop her in the righteous quest. She has painted many pictures oi coming experiences. We hope the light of powder and the sheen of merry oars vii guide to full realization.
 Now look over and inspect the men There sits the merchant. The cares oi business have rested little uneasily on g genial soul, and nervousness is not alto. gether wanting. Evidently he has moi started for .'big game. What he needs is plenty of rations, sound sleep, com= fortable lodgings, and a pleasant company: His presence. is always welcome. He is trying to submit gracefully to the coming changes, and our hope is that the deer, learning that he has only shot gun, will .empt him into the stature of genuine forester. I wish they would stand up be- tore him two or three times aid let him practice with his "pop-gun" cartridges. In the next seat is man of calmer mood. He doesn't care which way the wind blows, so he gets there all right. He thinks much more than he talks Evi. dently he means business, for rifle by his side IS dreaming of the artfnl target tbat is waiting in the darksome forest. Don't you think it possible that the blood will rush to the head the first time "white
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 1908 . ---- C