IN NOVEMBER. 



as they increase the growth of the grass on which 

 they fall and rot. Leaves are spread in stables in- 

 stead of straw, and make a good litter for cattle, or 

 are mixed with common dung. This mould is par- 

 ticularly useful in gardens, where they make layers 

 of it, which assist greatly the growth of fruit and 

 young trees. 



Thus fallen leaves have their uses in administer- 

 ing to the comforts and necessities of man, while to 

 his mind the fall of the leaf is an emblem of this life, 

 and the frailty of all earthly things. 



The Beginning of Winter. 



The sun is now taking leave of the world. Every 

 thing is changed with us. The earth, which was 

 lately so beautiful and fruitful, is now becoming 

 gradually barren and poor. We no longer behold 

 that fine enamel of the trees in blossom ; the charm 

 of spring, the magnificence of summer, those differ- 

 ent tints and shades of verdure in the woods and 

 meads, the purple grapes, nor the golden harvests 

 which crowned our fields. The trees have lost their 

 clothing ; the pines, the elms, and oaks, bend with 

 the force of the northern blasts The rays of the 

 sun are too feeble now to warm the atmosphere or 

 earth. The fields, which have bestowed so much 

 upon us, arc at last exhausted, and promise no more 

 this year. But in the midst of these melancholy 

 prospects, let us still observe, that nature faithfully 

 fulfils the eternal law prescribed to her, of being 



