IN SEPTEMBER. 257 



fall off. Whole months pass away before the ear of 

 corn ventures to appear and expose itself to the air; 

 but as soon as every thing is prepared for the for- 

 mation of the blossoms and fruit, they all appear in 

 a few days. With what skill, also, are the stalks 

 and the ears of corn constructed ! If the former were 

 higher, the nutritive juice could not so well penetrate 

 into them; if, on the contrary, the corn had been 

 placed lower, the moisture would have made it spring 

 up before it was reaped ; birds and other animals 

 would get at and destroy it If the stem was weaker 

 and smaller, the wind would break it; and if it was 

 stronger and thicker, little animals might lodge in 

 H, birds would perch upon it, and pick out the grain* 



SEPTEMBER. 



Now soften'd suns a mellow lustre shed, 



The laden orchards glow with tempting red ; 



On hazel houghs the clusters hang embrown'd, 



And with the sportman's war the new-shorn fields resound.'"' 



THIS is, in general, a very agreeable month, the 

 distinguishing softness and serenity of autumn, with 

 its deep blue skies, prevailing through great part of it. 

 The days are now very sensibly shortened ; and the 

 mornings and evenings are chill and damp, though 

 the warmth is still considerable in the middle of the 

 day. This variation of temperature is one cause 

 why autumn is an unhealthy time, especially in the 

 warmer climates, and in moist situations. 

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