62 Clear Skies and Cloudy. 



in a most unblushing manner. To-morrow, 

 the mercury may sink to zero, a drop of 

 fifty-five degrees. I have known still greater 

 changes. The only uniformity I have ever 

 found is at Nine Spring Corner, where the 

 water is always warm, plant-life luxuriant, and 

 pretty salamanders always to be found. 



If there was no adventure awaiting me, there 

 was something equally good, a splendid sun- 

 set and gorgeous coloring of the rippled waters 

 that overspread the pastures. We think ot 

 winter as brown or white, and talk of the cold 

 gray skies, but never my lady's rose-bower 

 more brilliant with bloom than this lake of the 

 day with sunset's rainbow hues. Not one rain- 

 bow resting here, but thousands ; not fiery red 

 alone, but every softer shade, and the blossoms 

 of a summer scattered far and near. No 

 thought now of January or the nipping cold of 

 mid-winter nights ; no hint of icy waters black 

 and chill, of arctic desolation, and a longing 

 for the fireside light and warmth. Now was 

 winter in a playful mood and wreathed in rare 

 smiles, as sweet as they are rare. Nor was I 

 alone to enjoy it. A song-sparrow breaks the 



