IN THE CANADIAN WOODS. 141 



while the birch and poplar hang out their golden 

 banners, soon to scatter them abroad. Not less attrac- 

 tive are the young beeches as seen against the full dark 

 green of the spruce and hemlock. 



On the outskirts of the wood, or on the bank of lake 

 or stream, the eye is caught by fringes of every hue, 

 the red of the osier beds, the high bush cranberry with 

 its purplish tinge of foliage and rich crimson fruit, 

 while the glorious scarlet of the prinos, or " winter 

 berry," like the holly of the motherland, charms us by 

 its gay fruitage. The old settlers call this fine shrub — 

 for it does not attain to the dignity of a tree — the 

 " Pigeon Berry." 



I know a rocky island in Stony Lake, not far from 

 our own little island of Minnewawa, where there is a 

 splendid bush laden with the berries and dark shining 

 leaves ; a lovely object it appeared reflected on the still 

 bosom of the lake that bright September morning. 

 What a feast for the wild birds ! One almost envied 

 them their treat. 



The juniper and the red cedar, too, are very beautiful ; 

 the mealy whiteness of the one and the blue tints of the 

 clustering berries of the other are now in perfection, 

 ready for the little hoarders of the fruits of the 

 wilderness. 



Of all the seasons in Canada, that of September is the 

 most enjoyable. Heat we have for a short time, but not 

 overpowering. The summer indeed is gone, but there is 



