222 IS FOUND AT ALL SEASONS. 



observations on this subject were made by President 

 Edwards, when he was only twelve years of age. 

 They are detailed by him in a letter written in 1715, 

 and published in a New York edition of his works, 

 in 1829. It is republished in Silliman's "Journal 

 of Science," Vol. xxi., with many interesting remarks 

 from the learned editor of that periodical ; and it 

 countenances the opinion, that it is by the action of 

 the "gently moving air," that the thread is drawn 

 out to what length the spider pleases. 



The threads of the gossamer are more abundant 

 in autumn than at any other period of the year. 

 But I have seen them at all seasons, and never with 

 greater pleasure, than when crusted with hoar-frost, 

 and glittering like little garlands of minute icicles. 

 In fact, they delighted me so much in their new garb, 

 tliat I took the earliest opportunity afterwards, of 

 embodying in rhyme the ideas which they suggested. 

 To you, I shall make no apology for the imperfections 

 of the verses, for I do not fear your criticism. The 

 criticism of a friend, like " the quality of mercy, is 

 not strained," and "blessethhira that gives, and him 

 that takes." 



It was a pleasant winter morn ; 



Through all the silent night. 

 The skies had been of azure hue. 



And countless stars were bright. 



