xxxi LETTERS TO MARCO 209 



north-east winds are those which bring on 

 the attacks. This connection between the 

 complaint and the north-east wind is most re- 

 markable, and renders its prevailing persist- 

 ency all the more deplorable. I daresay you 

 remember this wind and how we suffered 

 from it when we visited Pulborough ; how 

 cold and colourless everything looked under 

 its influence. We had been always so 

 accustomed to fine weather on our former 

 sketching excursions, that the contrast was 

 all the more striking. I recollect that it cul- 

 minated in a snow-storm, during which the 

 race for the Derby was run and won by 

 Hermit. 



I think that was the first time I had ever 

 noticed the want of colour that accompanies 

 a north-east wind ; sky, trees, and grass all 

 looking washed out and drabby. I have been 

 particularly struck with this colourless aspect 

 lately ; there is always a white haze or glare 

 round the sun, which seems to bleach its rays, 

 and when a few thin beggarly clouds pass 



p 



