bridge, which, on nearer approach, proved to be of
cedar, and was ornamented with a sofa of the same material.

Upon this rude couch we rested awhile till our friend C----, whom we
had elected master of ceremonies, went forward to take a more extended
survey of the woods and its surroundings. In a few minutes we heard a
loud and very expressive halloo from our absent companion, and looking
about to find whence the sound proceeded, we beheld him standing upon
a stone-fence at some distance, and beckoning us to hasten immediately
to his side. The mandate was obeyed, and after a scramble over the
stones, we succeeded in mounting the desired eminence, when a pleasant
sight met our delighted visions. The waters of the brook were here so
managed as to form two sylvan lakes, divided from each other by a
bridge similar to the one previously mentioned. The borders of these
lakes, through one of which glided two stately swans, were supplied
with seats formed of cedar wood, and so arranged as to resemble
lounges, _tete-a-tetes_, and arm-chairs, whose appearance seemed to
invite repose. And here we would fain have lingered, but asserting
that he had something to show us in another direction, C---- bade us
follow him a few steps farther.

Descending from our elevation, and roaming through a shadowed path, we
at last halted at the door of a diminutive and picturesque-looking
cottage, within which, to our astonishment, was a table, round which
were ranged seats more than sufficient for our number. In no measured
terms did we now express our surprise and delight at thus finding in
the very heart of the wilderness accommodations so necessary,
wondering at the same time whether the fairies had not been there
before us to provide every thing for our convenience.

Beside the door of this rustic dwelling an old man, evidently nearing
the allotted "three score and ten," was seated upon a rude bench,
busily engaged weaving a small and dainty-looking basket. He was
dressed in a sailor's garb, but there was an indescribable something
in his appearance, betraying that he did not belong to the lowest rank
of seamen. There was a cloud of melancholy upon his countenance, and
though the sounds of laughter and mirth were floating around him, he
desisted not from his occupation, nor even once gazed into the bright
faces by which he was surrounded. Absorbed in his own meditations, he
seemed not to heed nor care for aught else; and it was some time er