CHAPTER VI. 



EARTH AND SKY. 



IN nature, as in art, it is the sky which makes the 

 landscape. Given the identical fields, woods, and 

 retreating hills, and every change of sky, every 

 modulation of light, will produce a new landscape ; 

 in light and atmosphere are concealed those mys 

 teries of color, of distance, and of tone which clothe 

 the changeless features of the visible world with 

 infinite variety and charm. This fruitful marriage 

 of the upper and the lower firmaments is perhaps 

 the oldest fact known to men ; it was the earliest 

 discovery of the first observer, it still is the most 

 illusive and beautiful mystery in nature. The most 

 ancient mythologies began with it, the latest books 

 of science and natural observation are still dealing 

 with it. Myths that are older than history portray 

 it in lofty symbolism or in splendid histories that 

 embody the primitive ideals of divinity and hu 

 manity ; the latest poets and painters would fain 

 touch their verse or their canvas with some lumi 

 nous gleam from the heart of this perpetual miracle. 

 The unbroken procession of the seasons changes 

 month by month the relations of earth and sky ; day 

 and night all the water-courses of the world rise in 



