orrespond with the other various decorations of the woods, and
though hewn of the roughest material, for ease and grace of motion, I
might confidently challenge the drawing-room of a fashionable lady to
produce its equal. Again, I say, it was an oddity--that rocking-chair.
But the powers of my simple pen being scarcely adequate to a
description of it, this being, as I have styled it, a true
reminiscence, I would advise and invite you, dear Mary, if you wish to
behold the rocker, and judge of its _indescribable_ merits, to
accompany me on the first summer's day you may have to spare, to the
pleasantest and most romantic spot in the immediate vicinity of New
York--the Sailor's Woods at Snug Harbor.

But to go on with my record. After enjoying for a space the easy
lulling motion of this inimitable chair; and after bathing my head
repeatedly in water from the woodland-spring, I began to feel
considerably revived, while the pure air, and the stillness that
reigned around, were of especial benefit to my aching temples. The
pain gradually grew less and less tormenting, till at length it was no
longer felt, and again I found myself watching the old sailor, who sat
at a few paces from me weaving his pretty, delicate basket. Gathering
courage, I entered into conversation with him. He had stated
previously that his abode was at "the Harbor," so I now made some
inquiries concerning that institution, its regulations, &c., and he
very readily gave me all the requisite information.

"They must be very happy, are they not?" I asked, referring to the
members of the institution of which we were speaking; "very happy and
very thankful, too, to have had so pleasant a home provided for them
in their old age?"

"They are generally contented," was the reply, "but there are many
among their number who, having no fears for their earthly future,
allow their minds to dwell too earnestly upon the past--and wo be to
them, if one voice from the memories of bygone days comes back with
reproachful accents!" He sighed heavily--and for some moments there
was a pause. At length, raising his eyes hastily to mine, he said,

"Young lady--do you think that _I_ am happy?"

The question was altogether so abrupt and unexpected, that I scarcely
knew what to answer; but, after some little hesitation, I replied, "I
do not, sir. There is too much of sadness in your countenance to speak
of a mind quite at ease. I should think that you had known many
sorrows."