The noise of the falls makes constant music.
LITTLE RIVERS
A BOOK OF ESSAYS IN
PROFITABLE IDLENESS
BY
HENRY VAN DYKE
“And suppose he take nothing, yet he enjoyeth a delightfull
walk by pleasant Rivers, in sweet Pastures, amongst odoriferous
Flowers, which gratifie his Senses, and delight his Mind; which
Contentments induce many (who affect not Angling) to choose
those places of pleasure for their summer Recreation and Health.”
Col. Robert Venables, The Experienc’d Angler. 1662.
ILLUSTRATED
NEW YORK
CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS
MDCCCCIV
Copyright, 1895, 1903, by Charles Scribner’s Sons
To one who wanders by my side
As cheerfully as waters glide;
Whose eyes are brown as woodland streams,
And very fair and full of dreams;
Whose heart is like a mountain spring,
Whose thoughts like merry rivers sing:
To her—my little daughter Brooke—
I dedicate this little book.