250 SEPTEMBER. 



to be electrical, but this is doubtful. It yet 

 requires explanation. 



There is now a brightness of the sky, and a 

 diaphanous purity of the atmosphere, at once 

 surprising and delightful. We remark with 

 astonishment how perfectly and distinctly the 

 whole of the most extensive landscape lies in 

 varied, solemn beauty before us; while, such 

 is the reposing stillness of Nature, that not a 

 sound disturbs the sunny solitude, save perhaps 

 the clapping of pigeons' wings as they rise from 

 the stubbles. The clearness of vision may 

 partly arise from the paucity of vapour ascend- 

 ing from the ground at this dry season, and 

 partly from the eye being relieved from the 

 intensity of splendour with which it is oppressed 

 in summer ; but be it what it may, the fact has 

 not escaped one of our most beautiful poets ; 



There is a harmony 

 In Autumn, and a lustre in its sky, 

 Which through the summer is not heard nor seen, 

 As if it could not be, as if it had not been. 



Now it is delightful among mountains. Moun- 

 tains ! how one's heart leaps up at the very 

 word ! There is a charm connected with moun- 

 tains so powerful, that the merest mention of 

 them, the merest sketch of their magnificent 

 features kindles the imagination, and carries 

 the spirit at once into the bosom of their en- 



