The Press., 1892-10-27
An Autumn Picture in stafrora Springs.
BY REV. Q. E. HARRIS, D. D.


 BY REV. O.. E. HARRIS, D. D.
 
 The royal magnifeence of the splendid pageantry of Nature, which we call Indian summer, has never been exhibited on a grander scale than during the days and weeks just past; nor more perfectly than just here in Stafford Springs. The rich ness of the glow, the delicacy of the tints, their exquisite combinations, and their variety, ranging from lightest lemon to deepest orange, from palest pink to rich est wine-color, from faintest hint of brown to darkest chocolate, through all the in- termediate shades of yellow, red and brown, have never been surpassed. They have defied, utterly and superbly, the ef- forts of artists to reproduce them, or to transfer to canvass, the plenitude of life in the leaves, their fullness of vigor, their seeming exuberance of joy, and delight in their own amazing beauty; the abandon, ease, and freedom, which have character ized the gorgeous spectacle. I have mo- where seen this wonderful outburst of beauty, this gracious and graceful fare we'll of the summer foliage, which might well be it's tribute of praise and thanks to all the benefcent influences that have contributed to it's life and growth, appear to better advantage than in our village streets. These handsome naples, oaks, and elms, with their perfect contour and abundant masses of leafage, have given fullest opportunity for the display of the slowly ripening glories, that have made these October days succession of de- lights, with constantly new charms and increasing loveliness. Rare pictures for memory's cabinet have these splendid au- tumn days given to our keeping! re. call with special pleasure the trees about my parsonage, that I watched with such interest from my study windows. One, g maple, took on the new order very slowly and deliberately, as if doubtful whether it's autumnal colorsE would be as becoming as it's summer robe. It decked one branch with scarlet, as if trying the effect days before any others changed at all Apparently approving of it, it gradually attired the outermost twigs un the lower branches with the glowing color; stop ping there, as if to watch the result, an6 admire it's own beauty: the body of the foliage remaining of the most vivid green The contrast was delightful and harmoni ous; and the unusual combination pro duced peculiar mental pleasure. An other stood perfect cone of goldeI leaves; so thick and full that the eye could not pierce their depths; and wher the early morning sun touched its dewey leaves, could easily imagine it to be the twin sister of the one St. John saw planted by the River of Life" One having donned it's robe of gold, coquet tishly added rose-tints, here and there for it's adornment; as a maiden puts z ribbon here and there, to complete hel toilette. Near by, another decked itsel in gaudy drapery of scarlet and crimson like Boadicea in state attire. Int massive oaks, across the way, too digni fled for such frivolities, yet deeming theil ordinary autumn coats of quiet brown not quite in keeping with so gay and bril- liant season, arrayed themselves in ricf costumes of deep and glowing wine-color | which famed in the sunshine and palpi tated in the breeze; and n ade these fores kings, fit associates for the queenly beau ties about them. As the sun rose ove the eastern hills, and flashed across hi pleased congratulations, in his brightest cheeriest beams, each stately tree re sponded by deepened blush of it's brigh leaves, which shone, and sparkled, ant quivered, till the whole beauteous mas seemed aglow with life; it's heart of fam, irradiating, and flushing, even it's topmos | bough and tiniest twig. Through tn, quiet, dreamy moons, they stood in tran l quill beauty, maturing their rich coloring and evolving still new charms. As tn, western sun threw level rays athwar | their branches, and tried to pierce the SC cret of the wondrous transformation scene ! each leaf took on brighter, freshe shade, and grew in beauty, till the trans I figured tree seemed to have caught tn, 1 reflection of an unearthly light, and tx shadow forth paradisaic glories. Every where, far and near, decorating the hill sides, making gay the valleys, and em bellishing the plains, these floral marvel of Nature were repeated; the verdan pines and hemlocks adding their quota t, the beauty of the Indian summer land | scape. While the over-arching ether with it's depth of turquoise blue, and bank of changeful, fleecy, many-colored clouds enhanced the enjoyment, amounting some times almost to rapturous ecstasy, whicl filled the soul of the beholder; as he re membered the words of the inspired bart of nature, 70 Lord, how manifold are Tn, works In wisdom hast Thou made then all"