The Old Trails.
There is on foot in northern Michigan a movement for the marking of the old Indian trails. These forest paths are delightful memorials of the red man. As we wander along their shrewdly managed curves, that conduct us past many obstacles still existing as well as by the sites of many others that have been removed by time or man, we seem almost to have an Indian warrior for a companion, and the primitive times come back upon our imagination. These trails are fast obliterated by the erasure of modern progress, and if they are not preserved now they will soon disappear forever.
But the Indian trail is not the only path we should seek to perpetuate. There are many ancient ways, consecrated by the feet of olden saints and heroes, which all wise men will cherish.
They are quaint customs, ancient dishes and furniture, old-fashioned manners and turns of speech, family names and stanch family characteristics, the doctrines and faiths that have stood the test of time, the olden virtues, honor, and self-respect.
Sometimes we grow impatient of these old ways, and set out to blazon new paths. Sometimes we survey splendid highways right across the ancient trails, highways smooth and beautiful, crowded with swift and handsome automobiles. This may be very good and quite inevitable, but it need not mean the loss of a single old trail. They can all be marked, and they will be prized and kept clear by the thoughtful pedestrian. For every path that has well served mankind is henceforth sacred, shadowed by holy memories, and consecrated to a use that is no less definite and vital because it is ideal.