THE FALL OF THE LEAF. 287 



ences, by our geographical position, that the kind 

 intentions of nature are, as it were, often defeated. In 

 the ordinary course of things, we should be favored 

 every year with this genial period of sunshine and 

 warmth. But the north winds will sometimes rush 

 down prematurely upon our territories, and bring winter 

 along before its time. Farewell, then, to the Indian 

 summer for that season. The tuneful insects, after 

 chirping incessantly during all the early autumn, are 

 obliged to sink into their winter sleep, without singing 

 the requiem of the year. Rustic toils and rural sports 

 are brought to a sudden termination, and the only 

 beings who seem to rejoice are the boys, who are de 

 lighted with an early opportunity to renew the sports of 

 winter. 



