FROM A NEW ENGLAND HILLSIDE. 35 



snow &quot; is the received expression to describe 

 that which is perfectly spotless, and noth 

 ing is conceivable which in its kind could 

 be more perfect. Yet there is whiteness and 

 whiteness, as there are deacons and deacons. 

 As the angle varies at which you see it, so 

 varies the light reflected from it, and in this 

 gorgeous sunshine my shadow as it precedes 

 me over the fields is as deep and pure a blue 

 as the artists would make it. 



What a friendly companion is this same 

 shadow ! The experiences of Peter Schle- 

 mihl appear perhaps a trifle extravagant, 

 and I am not willing to be responsible for 

 the statement that he actually did at one 

 time possess Fortunatus s purse, and con 

 secutively le nid invisible, and the seven- 

 league boots ; but I am sure that he must 

 have had one or other or all these to console 

 him effectually for the loss of his friendly 

 shadow. How &quot;closer than a brother&quot; it 

 sticks to us, modestly walking behind when 

 we advance toward the sun, and throwing 

 itself boldly in our path as we turn our 

 back upon the light ! And how ridiculously 

 it imitates our slightest motion, a veritable 

 monkey as a mimic, and with the monkey s 

 delicacy of feature ! 



It is only upon the smooth lawois and 



