The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1922-12-14
Early Morning On Little Garry
tBy Langdon A. JewetD

1t is just few moments before
dawn. The canoe rests mOtionlesS
upon the surface of the lake Not Il
sound breakes the silence of that
magic spot. There Is an awe
inspiring hush that seems to be a
moment of prayer for the wild folk.
Suddenly wild note of exultation
comes from Il tall fir Oh the shore A
hermit thrush has opened the wonder
full chorus. The forest seems to be
pealing with thrushes, each anxious
to Guido his fellow in the delivery of
his repertoire. A chorus that would
arouse the envy of the greatest
musicians pours from those tiny
Threats. II is music worth coming
thousands Of miles to hear and it is
enjoyed only by a privileged few.
Such melody and volume cannot be
duplicated. AS suddenly as 1t began,
the glorious anthem ceases. Every
bird, as if by common consent,
abandons his song. We can but
wonder at the cause of it all
Slowly the water turns from blue
to pink and suddenly to gold as the
sun again looks down upon us. The
welcoming chorus is delivered not
by picked solpists. as before, but by
the entire feathered assemblies.
Squirrels and chipmunks begin to
chatter and scold the only ones that
seem aware of intruders. A slight
splash and we turn slowly to the left,
cautious in the extreme. for a per-
ceptible movement upon our part
| 4 A No
has just climbed ont upon tussock
of grass to survey his world.
Evidently he is satisfied with its
appearance. for he slides off into the
water to return shortly, followed by
his tribesmen.
A game of tag ensues among the
younger beavers in and about a
knarled old stump The older beavers
begin to seek their morning meal.
Some of them swim quiteElose to the
canoe in their search Tod the sweet,
succulent roots of the Weir lily
Suddenly warned by Al Signal un-
heard and unnoticed by I'D they dive,
the last one giving thekwster "a re-
| sounding whack with his tail. For
moment the entire forest holds its
breath; then as no dangerous foe pre-
SCENTS itself, the woods are again
filled with rustling as the birds and
animals move about.
Very carefully we look about for
the cause of the abrupt departure of
our friends. Our search is unre-
warded. Probably some sly old fox
hattered himself into believing that
1, ~
turing beaver.
1t is useless to wait for the beavers
| temperance. the guide with a
noiseless and almost Snperceptable
movement Of his paddle turns the
canoe, and as we float along the
shore. we seem propelled by some un-
/ seen power. The guide gives low
| explanation and halts the canoe by
| driving his paddle into the bottom
a sheldrakc and her goslngs are dis
| porting themselves 10 their hearts
content Two of the little fellows
/ are proudly perched upon their
mothers back. while a third is peep
| ing at them from beneath,her wings
/ Warned by some sixth sense the duck
casts Il swift glance in our direction
and a low hOarse quaek sends the
little ones scuttiing among the reeds
! The mother waits until they have all
disappeared. and then with splash
she rises from the water and Is gone
| We move ON. sorry to have distur-
| bed the happy family. yet grateful for
| "A glimpse of them. The camp site
is soon reached and nature study is
abandoned until after breakfast.
In few moments the aroma of
coffee fills the air. and we hear a faint
sizzling which indicates fried trout
| While eating the luscious trout
Drowned to perfection and served
upon plates of birch bark we reflect
upon the beauties of scenic Maine
How abundant is this odtime free
state in her offerings To city-wearied
man. Here he may come when he
pleases, stay and enjoy everything to
his utmose desire. and go only when
duty is imperative in her summons
The birds. the beasts. the trees. the
flowers. all extend their welcome
Come to Name"