THE FALL OF THE LEAF. 281 



covers whole trees in our woods, mingling its pure scar 

 let with the different colors of the tree that supports it. 

 The most of the sumachs exhibit a predominance of 

 purple in the hues of their foliage, mixed with their 

 original verdure. The viburnums and cornels are like 

 wise variously shaded with purple and crimson. 



The preceding remarks present an imperfect sketch 

 of the appearance of autumnal foliage, during the first 

 period of the fall of the leaf, when the yellow and scar 

 let hues are the prevailing ones in our woodland scen 

 ery. During the second period, very few of the yellows 

 are to be seen, if we except the yellowish green tints of 

 the different species of willow. The oaks are the glory 

 of the second period, and are remarkable for the long 

 duration of their beauty. Though their hues are neither 

 so brilliant^ nor so variegated as those of the maples, 

 yet they are at this time almost the only deciduous 

 trees, of indigenous growth, that remain in foliage. 

 Long after the remainder of the wood is leafless, except 

 the evergreens, the brown, gray, chocolate, crimson, and 

 purple tints of the different species of the oak lend a 

 charm to the forests which cannot be surpassed. The 

 foliage of the oaks during summer is not exceeded in its 

 finely indented forms, in the pure lustre of its surface, 

 in its firmness, without any deficiency of tremulous 

 motion, and may be said to combine a greater variety 

 of those qualities that affect the mind with agreeable 

 sensations, than that of any other tree. It is likewise 

 remarkably tenacious of its hold on the branches, where 

 it often remains until the opening of spring. Hence 

 the rustling of the dry oak leaf always pleasantly 

 reminds one of the appearances of nature, during her 

 season of rest, and of our winter walks in the forest. 



Among the shrubs that retain their leaves during the 

 24* 



