34 IN WINTER. 



the rude pole swing that was the delight of the 

 first of my people born in America. Being the 

 most prominent feature of the neighborhood, this 

 oak was brought within the boundary line of two 

 great plantations, and the half acre beneath its 

 branches was the common play-ground of two 

 families. Little wonder, then, that in time it was 

 also common courting ground. Indeed, the 

 phrase common in several families now, referring 

 to engaged couples, " under the oak," has refer- 

 ence to this tree and the engagements that arose 

 from frequently meeting there, during the first 

 half-century after the place was settled. 



But what has this to do with winter ? Noth- 

 ing, perhaps, but it seemed fitting that a film of 

 ice should cover the little pool in the circle, as 

 frost had blighted every shrub about, when recall- 

 ing that long-gone past that seems to us so 

 rosy-hued when comparing it with the present. 

 Ruin is stamped upon every feature of the land- 

 scape here, and it is well that the old oak that 

 witnessed more mirth than sadness should have 

 passed away. 



To those who can walk eight furlongs and 

 see only a milestone, winter may be a dreary 

 season : but Nature at rest, for those who love 

 her, is a sleeping beauty. Again, if it so happens 

 death is everywhere about you, it should not 

 prove repulsive. Death is the law of life, and 



