318 
RURAL HOURS. 
this autumn, and others which were dull russet may be bright 
gold color. The other day we found a wood-path strewed, at one 
spot, with pink aspen-leaves ; but the general color of this tree is 
a decided yellow, nor do I ever remember to have seen its foliage 
pink before this instance ; still there was no mistake about the 
matter, the leaves belonged to the large aspen, and they were 
clearly pink. They looked, however, as if they had first turned 
yellow, and then a coat of rich warm lake had been laid on after- 
ward. Maples frequently go through the same process. 
Some of the oaks are turning deep red, others scarlet. The 
ashes are already dark purple. But while most of the foliage is 
gaining in brilliancy, bare limbs are already seen here and there ; 
the Virginia creepers are all but leafless, so are the black walnuts ; 
and the balm of Gilead poplar is losing its large leaves. Such is 
Autumn : prodigal in her magnificence, scattering largesse with a 
liberal hand, she is yet careless, and regardless of finish in the 
lesser details ; she flings cloth of gold over the old chestnut, and 
Tyrian purple upon the oak ; while the neighboring grape-vine 
hangs a dull and blighted garland of msset upon the forgotten 
aspen, still green. Spring has a daintj'^ hand, a delicate pencil ; 
no single tree, shnib, plant, or weed, is left untouched by her ; 
but Autumn delights rather in the breadth and grandeur of her 
labors, she is careless of details. Spring works lovingly — Autumn, 
proudly, magnificently. 
Friday, Qth . — Beautiful day. House-cleaning going on in the 
village ; happily, the labors of the task at this season are less 
tremendous and overwhelming than in spiing ; it is a matter of 
two or three days, instead of weeks. 
