WILLOWS. 21 



to the charm of meadow scenery. Seme of the 

 old trees I have met with on the banks of a rivulet, 

 throw out their bold roots in a direction away from 

 it, then again grasp the ground, as if mindful that 

 the undermining of the bank by the action of 

 the water would cause their destruction. It is 

 amongst these roots that sheep delight to bask. 

 Sometimes, also, I see them under the dry bank 

 of the stream, where they appear to have made a 

 resting place for themselves during the heat of the 

 day. 



A little bank there was, 

 With alder- copse and willow over grown, 

 Now worn avray with winter floods. 



As the evening approaches, they scatter them- 

 selves abroad in search of food, and then the 

 " tinkling bell" may be heard, another of those 

 rural sounds which add a charm to the country. 



But it is time to close my little sketch of rural 

 scenery. It is best enjoyed when the air is soft 

 and balmy, and when all nature puts on a smiling 

 aspect. At such a time we may well rejoice in 

 the prospect around us, and offer up our tribute 

 of gratitude and love to Him, who has spread be- 

 fore us so many objects for our gratification and 

 delight. 



