What Happens When Two Strangers Cross the Pine Barrons?

'If two strangers crossing the pine barrens in new york state or the equally desolate salisbury plain in england, if casually encountering each other in such inhospitable wilds, these twain cannot well avoid a mutual salutation. How much more natural, i say, that under such circumstances, these ships should not only interchange hails, but come into still closer, more friendly and sociable contact,' he writes. 'In return for that courtesy, the outward bound ship would receive the latest whaling intelligence from the cruising ground to which she may be destined.'