THE GLORY OF THE AUTUMN 103 



But wherefore and why all this gay autumnal ap- 

 parel? Is it the handiwork of the charming fairies 

 and wood nymphs of our childhood beliefs and 

 nursery days? Surely some guiding hand, some benefi- 

 cent agency, some lover of mankind must have pre- 

 pared the scene as the final tableau of the seasons! 

 The talent of the Master Artist is unveiled and the 

 picture surpasses the dreams of those who live in less- 

 favored areas of the world. 



Those skilled in the mysteries of organic chemistry 

 and plant physiology tell us that autumn tints are 

 due to chemical changes associated with the storing 

 away of food material and the discharge of certain 

 waste products. This explanation, though matter 

 of fact and disturbing to our youthful belief in fairies 

 and wood nymphs, opens up a field of inquiry which 

 must tend to enlarge our viewpoint and increase our 

 appreciation of Nature's wonderful methods. We 

 find that all is governed by laws which act and react 

 in such manner as to ensure the end and object de- 

 sired. 



Now briefly the autumn metamorphosis is effected 

 as follows : 



At the approach of winter, leaves which cannot 

 withstand frost cease their function as food factories; 

 and the various food substances are conveyed from 



