THE LOOM OF AUTUMN 201 



and trunks of trees ; the pond frogs are 

 silent, and the hylodes of the spring 

 "peep" now and then, having ex- 

 changed the marsh for tree dwellings. 

 The cricket chirps day and night, and 

 at twilight some teal-ducks fly over on 

 their way to salt water, as rapidly as 

 swallows, but so low that the glistening 

 of their green feathers can be seen. 



No frost, but Autumn roving, steps 

 over the wall into the garden; before 

 this she has only looked over. The 

 scarlet sage blazes indignantly, the 

 quilled Dahlias bob their prim heads 

 and nod in grave apprehension to the 

 hedge of nasturtiums. The favoured 

 chrysanthemums smile and look know- 

 ing, for they are already potted and 

 sure of protection. Low-lying mats 

 of verbenas glow with comfort, and the 

 carnations and more rugged roses pass 

 the word to stray pansies : " Never fear ; 



