The Silent Guide

L.M. Marsh was a freelance writer and songwriter who lived in Ottawa.

At first glance, considering the illustrations, lettering, and style of this little book, one might suspect it was written for the juvenile reader.

Upon closer inspection and with the assistance of the preface, it is revealed that this is not a book of fiction, nor should the simplicity and personification used in the book deceive the reader.

The story begins in 1764 when a seed leaves the security of its cone to nest in a bed of leaves; within 50 years, it has changed into a “Grand Specimen” of a proud cedar. Of course, throughout its growth the tree is constantly aware of the growth and changes in its surrounding environment.

Twenty-five years elapse before this cedar is given its ultimate identity, “an identity to last — a survey post.” Of course, this tree knows that this ultimate identity will affect the lives and neighbourhoods into coming generations and centuries. For seventy years the identity remains until, in 1982, a commemorating post is fashioned after the original, assuring the original that the art has not been lost.

The author’s goal is to make us “aware of how our forefathers with little else but their raw energy, an axe, a transit, and great creativity divided this vast wilderness of ours into a manageable and prosperous nation.” It is possible that this goal has been reached; however, some readers might feel better if the “Grand Specimen” of a cedar had lived on forever instead of being transformed into a survey post that was ultimately replaced by a replica.