OCTOBER 



27 



But it requires a particular alertness if not de- 

 votion to these phenomena, to appreciate the wide- 

 spread, but late and unexpected glory of the 

 scarlet oaks. I do not speak here of the small 

 trees and shrubs, which are commonly observed, 

 and which are now withered, but of the large 

 trees. Most go in and shut their doors, thinking 

 that bleak and colorless November has already 

 come, when some of the most brilliant and mem- 

 orable colors are not yet lit. 



THOREAU: Autumnal Tints. 



28 



It was late in mild October, and the long autum- 

 nal rain 



Had left the summer harvest-fields all green with 

 grass again ; 



The first sharp frosts had fallen, leaving all the 

 woodlands gay 



With the hues of summer's rainbow, or the 

 meadow-flowers of May. 



WHITTIEK: The Huskers. 



