64 AUTUMNAL LEAVES. 



whilst above the humble dwellings the blue smoke 

 of the hearth-fires curls up against the white 

 clouds which overspread the skj. In the fore- 

 ground, ' pecking 9 on the meadow near which 

 we stand, are some fowls gathered in a small 

 group and in the height, evidently, of quiet enjoy- 

 ment. Cottage gardens and fruit-trees complete 

 the rural and pastoral features of the scene. But 

 there is still left a feature of woodland scenery, 

 for the background of our picture is formed by 

 clustered forest-trees which cover the distant up- 

 lands and rise against the horizon. 



We ascend to the highest point of our road, 

 which now winds through the remaining portion 

 of the little village of Battramsley the roofs of 

 whose white-walled cottages and farm outbuildings 

 are stained with Moss and Lichen and on both 

 sides of the way beyond we pass meadow and 

 cornland, the hedgebanks brightened by many 

 flowers white, blue, pink, and gold late blos- 

 soms of Crowfoot, Harebell, and Herb Eobert 

 being prominent and conspicuous. The autumnal 

 foliage of the matted masses of Hawthorn and 

 Wild Briar add their own richness to the scene, 



