NEW YEAR’S. 
453 
thousands of miles, wherever the summer sunshine has fallen, 
there lies the snow. 
The evergreens on the hills show more white than verdure to- 
day, their limbs are heavily laden with snow, especially those near 
the summits of the hills. Saw a couple of crows in a leafless 
elm ; they looked blacker than ever. 
Tlie lake is fine this afternoon, entirely free from ice. When 
we first Avent out it was a deep, mottled, lead-color : but tlie sky 
cleared, and tOAvard sunset tlie Avaters became burnished over, 
changing to a Avarm golden gray, and looking beautifully in their 
setting of snow and evergreens. 
January, Monday, ls<. — NeAv Year’s. Light, half-cloudy day ; 
very mild. The lake quite silvery Avith reflections of the snow ; 
much lighter gray than the clouds. Excellent sleighing. 
The usual A'isiting going on in the village ; all gallant spirits 
are in motion, from very young gentlemen of five or six, to their 
grandpapas, Avishing “ Happy NeAv Year” to the ladies. 
In this part of the Avorld Ave haA'^e a double share of holiday 
presents, generous people giving at NeAv Year’s, as Avell as Christ- 
mas. The village children run from house to house Avishinij 
“ Happy New Year,” and expecting a cookie, or a copper, for the 
compliment. This afternoon Ave saw them running in and out of 
the shops also ; among them were a few grown women on the 
same errand. These holiday applicants at the shops often re- 
ceive some trifle, a handful of raisins, or nuts ; a ribbon, or a 
remnant of cheap calico, for a sun-bonnet. Some of them are in 
the habit of giving a delicate hint as to the object they Avish for, 
especially the older girls and women: “Happy New Year — and 
