Most of us at some time or other during our rambles have been lost in a forest or wood. Perhaps it is raining hard and we are hurrying for shelter, or we want to catch a train and, in an endeavor to save time, have left the pathway. Then it is that, unless we have a compass, or know how to read Nature's signposts, we may wander about aimlessly for hours.

Lost in the Woods? The main thing is to have confidence and remember some simple rules.

But we need not be lost in the wood, for Nature has supplied us with an unfailing series of signs, which, if known and studied, show us the north, south, east, and west as clearly and truly as any compass.

Find a full-grown tree that stands slightly apart from its fellows. Now carefully look at the bark. It will be harder, lighter, and drier on the south side; while on the north side it will be considerably darker in tone, and often at the roots on the north side we shall find a clump of moss. Nearly all hardwood-trees, such as the oak, the ash, and the elm, have moss growing on the north side; while on that side the leaves are longer, of darker green, and have lighter veins than those found on the south side. One of the surest ways of discovering the compass points is to find a sawn or cut stump. The rings of wood in the section will be found thicker on the south side than on the north, so that the heart of the stump is nearer the north side.

Stones that have rested in the same spot for some time usually have moss on the side facing north, while at best on the south side we shall find only a thin covering of harsh half-dried moss. On the north side of the hill, ferns, mosses, and late flowers grow, and this side is at all times greener with vegetation. In winter nests of insects will be found in the crevices on the south side of trees with rough bark.

If we are on a marsh, small bushes will act as compasses, their leaves and limbs showing the same differences as we have seen on the trees in the wood. The main thing is to have confidence in ourselves and keep from becoming panicky. If we remember these simple rules, and keep on in one direction, we shall soon get out of the wood.

source: Book of Knowledge, loose page, unknown date

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