March 7 + 

Have been feeling very “down” of late, but yesterday I saw a fine Scots Fir by the roadside⁠—tall, erect, as straight as a Parthenon pillar. The sight of it restored my courage. It had a tonic effect. Quite unconsciously I pulled my shoulders back and walked ahead with renewed vows never to flinch again. It is a noble tree. It has strength as a giant, and a giant’s height, and yet kindly withal, the branches drooping down graciously towards you⁠—like a kind giant extending its hands to a child. + 