as frozen right up to the cascade. A
long stretch of marshy shore succeeds--now frozen hard enough, at
other times not to be passed without sinking over the ankles in mud.
The ice is rough with the aquatic weeds frozen in it, so that it is
necessary to leave the shore some thirty yards. The lake widens, and
yonder in the centre--scarcely within range of a deer-rifle--stand
four or five disconsolate wild-duck watching every motion. They are
quite unapproachable, but sometimes an unfortunate dabchick that has
been discovered in a tuft of grass is hunted and struck down by
sticks. A rabbit on ice can also be easily overtaken by a skater. If
one should venture out from the furze there, and make for the copse
opposite, put on the pace, and you will be speedily alongside. As he
doubles quickly, however, it is not so easy to catch him when
overtaken: still, it can be done. Rabbits previously netted are
occasionally turned out on purpose for a course, and afford
considerable sport, with a very fair chance--if dogs be eschewed--of
gaining their liberty. But they must have 'law,' and the presence of
a crowd spoils all; the poor animal is simply surrounded, and knows
not where to run. Tracks of wild rabbits crossing the ice are
frequent. Now, having gained the farthest extremity of the lake,
pause a minute and take breath for a burst down the centre. The
regular sound of the axe comes from the wood hard by, and every now
and then the crash as some tall ash-pole falls to the ground, no
more to bear the wood-pigeon's nest in spring, no more to impede the
startled pheasant in autumn as he rises like a rocket till clear of
the boughs.

Now for it: the wind, hardly felt before under shelter of the banks
and trees, strikes the chest like the blow of a strong man as you
rush against it. The chest responds with a long-drawn heave, the
pliable ribs bend outwards, and the cavity within enlarges, filled
with the elastic air. The stride grows longer and longer--the
momentum increases--the shadow slips over the surface; the fierce
joy of reckless speed seizes on the mind. In the glow, and the
speed, and the savage north wind, the old Norse spirit rises, and
one feels a giant. Oh that such a sense of vigour--of the fulness of
life--could but last!

By now others have found their way to the shore; a crowd has already
assembled at that spot which a gregarious instinct has marked out
for the ice-fair, and approaching it speed must be slackened.