THE PROGRESS OF THE SEASONS. 313 



is produced by the latter bird in rushing perpendicularly- 

 down wards on its prey. 



The fir forest at this season becomes intensely heated, 

 and emits a strong aromatic odour. Where a tree has 

 fallen its withering branches fill the air for some 

 distance around with a most delightfully fragrant scent 

 of strawberries. To the sojourner or traveller in 

 the woods, the shelter and cool air under deciduous 

 trees, in groves of maple or birches, is an appreciable 

 relief. 



Lastly comes the flora of autumn, with its asters and 

 golden-rods ; and these, choosing open barrens and fields 

 as their residence, leave the woodlands almost without a 

 flower. 



Towards the end of August some of the features of 

 the fall are developed. Maple leaves turn colour in 

 unhealthy situations — as where the trees have been 

 subjected to inundation during the summer, and have 

 consequently lost the vigour necessary to resist the frosty 

 air of the nights. 



The plovers arrive, and the wild pigeon is found in 

 large flocks on the ground feeding on the ripe pigeon- 

 berries. The barrens now afi'ord astonishing supplies of 

 berries of many sorts of Ericaceae, and an unpremeditated 

 meeting not unfrequently occurs between the bear and 

 the biped, both intent on culling a portion of the luscious 

 harvest. 



In September the full brightness of the fall colour is 

 brought out on deciduous foliage ; fast fading, however, 

 towards the close of the month, and altogether disappear- 

 ing by the end of October — the last lingeriug phases of 

 autumnal glory being the rich golden-yellow hue assumed 



