AUTUMN LIGHTS AND SHADES. 



it falls in miniature cascades into other pools ; then 

 it is a stream once more, and on it runs down the 

 moor. So clear is the water that the most minute 

 objects are reflected in these little lakes, fit for elfin 

 folk to sail on. There is a bottom of peat to all 

 of them, paved over with large dark-red stones from 

 the moor. 



As the path we are pursuing is above the stream 

 and the pools, the reflection we see is perfect. 

 Birch-trees have a great liking for banks directly 

 over pools ; there is something in the mixed soil 

 and the surroundings that suits their growth admir- 

 ably. All is double ; we have the birch above, and 

 the birch reflected in the water below. The silvery 

 stems, the drooping branches hanging over the 

 pool, with the fading golden foliage, that ranges 

 from all shades of rich red gold, through the inter- 

 mediate changes, to a shimmering greenish gold 

 all are here. A small handful of leaves have 

 fallen on the mirrored surface, where they rest. 

 Not a bird comes, even to drink. Excepting for 

 the insect-life that is joyously disporting itself, all 

 is quiet ; if we did not know better we might fancy 

 there was little life here. Yet this place teems with 



