24 THE BEAUTIES OF NATURE CHAP. 
above, while it is said that sometimes almost 
black, or at least very dark violet, rays are 
interspersed among the rings .of light, and 
heighten their effect by contrast. Sometimes 
the two ends of the arch seem to rise off the 
horizon, and the whole sheet of light throbs 
and undulates like a fringed curtain of light ; 
sometimes the sheaves of rays unite into an 
immense cupola; while at others the separate 
rays seem alternately lit and extinguished. 
Gradually the light flickers and fades away, 
and has generally disappeared before the first 
glimpse of dawn. 
We seldom see the Aurora in the south of 
England, but we must not complain; our 
winters are mild, and every month has its 
own charm and beauty. 
In January we have the lengthening days. 
« February “¢ the first butterfly. 
«¢ March “¢ the opening buds. 
«April “the young leaves and 
| spring flowers. 
“« May “ the song of birds. 
“ June “ the sweet new-mown 
hay. , 
