motes of tbe 



a species of weasel or a mink, another of the 

 same family ; but bother the particulars ! 



Passing on to the bank of Poaetquissings Creek 

 I had an opportunity for more positive observa- 

 tions. There was more light. Every star was 

 doubled in the broad expanse of quiet water, and 

 the noses of fishes pushed just above the surface 

 could be plainly followed. 1 sat down on the 

 dewy grass, and watched the water and the out- 

 lines of the overhanging elms that were sharply 

 drawn against the western sky. I wondered that 

 the daylight should linger so long, when I sud- 

 denly recalled the time, and the cause too came 

 to me. There was an aurora. Shifting pillars of 

 pale green light shot upward, and rosy-tinted 

 clouds were directly overhead as suddenly it 

 became dark. It was one of my lucky moments 

 to be here at such a time. This strange phenom- 

 enon had its effect upon the birds. With every 

 flash of light many were suddenly aroused and 

 sang as they started from their sleep. With the 

 return to darkness came silence. 



Incidents like these, with far less of adventure 

 than the usual occurrences of the day, are sure to 

 be remembered. Because they happen at night 

 they make deeper impressions. This is explained 

 by the fact that our attention is concentrated 

 upon fewer objects and a more limited area; 

 moreover, the experience smacks of novelty. 

 This night the aurora continued to increase in 

 24 



