Autumn 



perhaps more hospitable neighborhood. 

 While the coral beads of the beautiful 

 black alder, the red or purple sprays of 

 the viburnums, the bright haws of the 

 white-thorn, the scarlet pennants which 

 stream from the barberry bushes, and the 

 half-hidden berries of the partridge-vine, 

 tempt them to a feast which will prove as 

 advantageous to host as to guest. 



If the seeds are not trapped out in a 

 fashion which renders them attractive to 

 animals their transportation generally is 

 provided in some other manner. Notice 

 how the great pasture thistle is slowly 

 swelling into a silvery cushion which a 

 few brisk winds will disintegrate. Watch 

 the pods of the milkweed crack open, re- 

 vealing symmetrical packs (the beloved 

 ' ' fishes ' ' of childhood) of golden-brown 

 seeds, to each one of which is tacked a 

 silky sail which finally unfurls and floats 

 away with its burden. Go down to the 

 brook and finger lightly the pod of the 

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