The Brownies: Their Book

by Palmer Cox

Then lively work the crowd began To make toboggans true to plan. The force was large, the rogues had skill, And hands were willing—better still; So here a twist, and there a bend, Soon brought their labors to an end.

Without the aid of steam or glue, They curved them like a war canoe; No little forethought some displayed, But wisely "double-enders" made, That should they turn, as turn they might, They'd keep the downward course aright; They fashioned some for three or four, And some to carry eight or more,

While some were made to take a crowd And room for half the band allowed. Before the middle watch of night, The Brownies sought the mountain height, And down the steepest grade it showed The band in wild procession rode; Some lay at length, some found a seat; Some bravely stood on bracing feet. But trouble, as you understand, Oft moves with pleasure, hand in hand,

And even Brownies were not free
From evil snag or stubborn tree
That split toboggans like a quill,
And scattered riders down the hill.

With pitch and toss and plunge they flew,—
Some skimmed the drifts, some tunneled through;
Then out across the frozen plain
At dizzy speed they shot amain,

Through splintered rails and flying gates Of half a dozen large estates; Until it seemed that ocean wide Alone could check the fearful ride. Some, growing dizzy with the speed, At times a friendly hand would need To help them keep their proper grip Through all the dangers of the trip. And thus until the stars had waned, The sport of coasting was maintained. Then, while they sought with lively race In deeper woods a hiding-place, "How strange," said one, "we never tried Till now the wild toboggan ride!