autumn and art. 
345 
The birds are quite numerous still ; many robins running about 
the lawn. Gnats and gray flies, innumerable, are dancing in the 
sunshine. Saw yellow butterflies. Heard a few field-crickets 
chirruping cheerfully. 
Tuesday, \^th . — In our walk this morning, observed a large 
stone farm-house, with maples grouped about in most brilliant 
color ; a party of men were husking maize in the foreground ; a 
group of cows grazing, in one direction, and a cart Avith a pile of 
noble pumpkins lying in the other. It would have made a good 
picture of an American autumn scene. The coloring of the trees 
was just what one could wish for such a purpose, and the con- 
trast with the stone house and gray barns was all that could be 
desired. 
It is to be regretted that we have not more superior pictures of 
autumnal scenes, for the subjects are so fine that they are Avorthy 
of the greatest pencils. It is true, Mr. Cole, and some others of 
our distinguished artists, have given us a few pictures of this kind ; 
but in no instance, I believe, has a work of this nature been yet 
considered as a chef-d’oeuvre of the painter. No doubt there 
must be great difficulties, as Avell as great beauties, connected with 
the subject. There is no precedent for such coloring as nature 
requires here among the works of old masters, and the American 
artist must necessarily become an innovator ; nay, more, we are 
all of us so much accustomed to think of a landscape only in its 
spring or summer aspects, that Avhen we see a painting Avhere the 
trees are yellow and scarlet, and purple, instead of being green, 
we have an unpleasant suspicion that the artist may be imposing 
on us in some of his details. This is one of those instances in 
which it requires no little daring simply to copy nature. And 
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