Autumn 



orange pods split open to reveal their 

 scarlet-coated seeds. No stone wall can 

 yield such occasional vistas of meadow 

 beyond, bright with golden-rod and aster, 

 and framed by brilliant strands of black- 

 berry vine. When its plants and shrubs 

 and creepers are left quite unmolested, 

 free to follow its devious course, to twine 

 about its posts, or to peep confidingly 

 over its topmost rails, then, I own, my 

 loyalty begins to waver. 



But after a time the rambler out of 

 doors grows accustomed to leaving his 

 questions unanswered. Plant-nature, es- 

 pecially, he finds almost as inconsistent 

 and contradictory as his own. Surprises 

 soon cease to be surprising. Even now 

 the rank stems of the chicory are studded 

 with bright blue blossoms. The sun 

 shines warm and sweet upon grass which 

 is green and tender as in June. Sooth- 

 ing insect - murmurs so fill the air that 

 the absence of bird-notes is hardly felt. 

 147 



