620 
RURAL HOURS. 
times in June, wliich are miscliievous to the crops and gardens. 
But then it frequently happens, also, that we have charming days 
when we have no right whatever to expect them ; delightful No- 
A^embcrs, soft, mild weeks in December, pleasant breaks in Jan- 
uary and February, with early springs, when the labors of the 
husbandman commence much sooner than usual. We have seen 
the fields in this valley ploughed in February ; and the cattle 
grazing until late in December. Every year we have some of 
these pleasant moments, one season more, another less ; but we 
soon forget them. The fi'osts and chilly days are remembered 
much longer, which does not seem quite right. 
It is an additional charm of these clear, mild days in winter, 
that they often bring very beautiful sunsets. Not those gorgeous 
piles of clouds which are seen, perhaps, as frequently after the 
summer showers, as at any other period ; but the sort of sunset 
one woidd not look for in winter — some of the softest and sweet- 
est skies of the year. This evening the heavens were very beau- 
tiful, as we drove homeward over the ice ; and the same effect 
may frequently be seen in Decembei-, January, or February. One 
of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever beheld, occurred here 
several years S'ince, toward the last of February. At such times, 
a warmer sun than usual draws from the yielding snow a mild 
mist, which softens the dark hills, and rising to the sky, lies there 
in long, light, cloudy folds. The choicest tints of the heavens are 
seen at such moments ; tender shades of rose, lilac, and warm 
gold, opening to show beyond a sky filled with delicate green 
light. 
These calm sunsets are much less fleeting than others : from 
