ii6 



In Touch with Nature. 



The looked-for shower came far sooner than 

 expected, and my first intimation of its approach 

 was the threatening peal of thunder that echoed 

 down the valley, and seemed rather to gather 

 strength, than die, as it had reached the hills be- 

 yond. Such thunder, without a hint of lightning's 

 destructive touch in its tones, is one of Nature's 



noblest melodies. It does not awe the birds that 

 sang merrily in reply to many a peal. But the 



