148 SUMMER WOOD-SCENERY. 



plays modifications of verdure peculiar, not only to the 

 species, but to the individual and the situation, and 

 hardly two trees in the wood are shaded alike. As 

 the foliage ripens, the different shades of green become 

 more thoroughly blended into one universal hue; and 

 this uniformity, when perfected, distinguishes the true 

 summer phase of vegetation. As summer advances, this 

 monotony increases until near its close. The only trees 

 that variegate the prospect are the evergreens, by their 

 darker and more imperfect verdure, and one or two rare 

 species, like the catalpa and ailantus, which display a 

 lighter and more lively green, resembling the verdure of 

 early summer. 



It may be said, however, in behalf of summer, that 

 no other season affords so good an opportunity to note the 

 different effects of sun and shade in the foliage of the 

 woods and fields. The leaves of the trees and grass are 

 never so beautiful in their summer dress as they appear 

 during the hour preceding sunset, when we view them 

 with the sun shining obliquely toward us. All foliage is 

 more or less transparent, and the rays of the sun, made 

 slightly golden by the refraction of the atmosphere, com- 

 municate a brilliant yellow tinge to the leaves, as they 

 shine through them. The same effects are not produced 

 by reflection ; for if we look away from the sun, the 

 foliage and grass present a much less attractive appear- 

 ance. A few hours after noonday, before the sunlight 

 is yellowed by refraction, we may study these phenom- 

 ena more minutely. When we look in the direction of 

 the light, as I have just remarked, we see the least 

 variety of light and shade ; for as every leaf is an im- 

 perfect mirror, the surface of the forest presents a glitter 

 that throws a glazed and whitish appearance over the 

 green of the foliage. The whole is a mere glare, so that 

 the landscape is almost without expression when viewed 



