34 FROM A NEW ENGLAND HILLSIDE. 



VII. 



WHEN I reached the station last evening 

 on my return after a week s absence, I 

 found the ground covered with snow, and 

 the stage awaiting me on runners. The 

 heavens were shrouded in cloud, a few 

 flakes were falling, and the wind blew 

 fiercely. But inside the closed conveyance 

 we were snug enough eight of us; and 

 there was an unwonted pleasure in the glid 

 ing of the craft over the roads which had 

 recently been rather rough and jolting. 



This morning the scene was changed. 

 Cowper s lines very nearly describe the 

 situation : 



The night was winter in his roughest mood ; 

 The morning, sharp and clear. 



Indeed, a more perfect day for the season I 

 do not believe ever blessed this goodly land. 

 About five inches of snow covers the ground, 

 in some places crusted over firmly enough 

 to sustain one s weight by the freezing 

 after Sunday 1 s rain. &quot; White as the driven 



