though, looking closely in among them, one perceives the broken sunshine
falling on a few sere or bright-hued tufts of shrubbery. In low, marshy
spots, on the verge of the meadows or along the river-side, there is a
much more marked autumnal change. Whole ranges of bushes are there
painted with many variegated lines, not of the brightest tint, but of a
sober cheerfulness. I suppose this is owing more to the late rains than
to the frost; for a heavy rain changes the foliage somewhat at this
season. The first marked frost was seen last Saturday morning. Soon
after sunrise it lay, white as snow, over all the grass, and on the tops
of the fences, and in the yard, on the heap of firewood. On Sunday, I
think, there was a fall of snow, which, however, did not lie on the
ground a moment.

There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on,
and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October.
The sunshine is peculiarly genial; and in sheltered places, as on the
side of a bank, or of a barn or house, one becomes acquainted and
friendly with the sunshine. It seems to be of a kindly and homely
nature. And the green grass, strewn with a few withered leaves, looks
the more green and beautiful for them. In summer or spring, Nature is
farther from one's sympathies.


October 8th.--Another gloomy day, lowering with portents of rain close at
hand. I have walked up into the pastures this morning, and looked about
me a little. The woods present a very diversified appearance just now,
with perhaps more varieties of tint than they are destined to wear at a
somewhat later period. There are some strong yellow hues, and some deep
red; there are innumerable shades of green, some few having the depth of
summer; others, partially changed towards yellow, look freshly verdant