34 THE BEAUTIES OF NATURE chap. 



above, while it is said that sometimes almost 

 black, or at least very dark violet, rays are 

 interspersed among the rings of light, and 

 heighten their effect by contrast. Sometimes 

 the two ends of the arch seem to rise off the 

 horizon, and the whole sheet of light throbs, 

 and undulates like a fringed curtain of light ; 

 sometimes the sheaves of rays unite into an 

 immense cupola ; while at others the separate 

 rays seem alternately lit and extinguished. 

 Gradually the light flickers and fades away, 

 and has generally disappeared before the first 

 glimpse of dawn. 



We seldom see the Aurora in the south of 

 England, but we must not complain ; our 

 winters are mild, and every month has its 

 own charm and beauty. 



In January we have the lengthening days. 



■hay. 



