forget that the blast of winter had swept across the land, and stript it of its beautifying verdure.

I bent my course towards the east, when, after having passed through some narrow winding lanes, whose mossy banks sparkled with dew; I arrived at the top of a rugged hill, the summit of which was covered with fine beech woods; at the entrance to which are various beaten tracks formed by the footsteps of the peasantry who daily frequent them for their scanty supply of fuel, induce the wanderer to pursue his way. I chose the path to the right, which skirted the wood,

and after following its various windings, I at length found myself leaving the wood on my left, and a varied scene opened upon me towards the south: fields covered with the fruits of different culture, beautiful by their undulating surfaces, and some partly surrounded by thick and extensive woods. I felt induced to proceed, but soon discovered that I had strayed from the path, and that no further trace of footsteps remained, I stopped to reflect what I should do, being anxious to pursue my ramble. While I was thus musing, I saw a figure at some little distance, in a large open field, whose surface was but faintly tinged.

with the yet tender blade of wheat ; but it was very difficult to say whether it was the figure of a man or woman; however I was determined to make my way to the moving form, to ask for further directions. I approached nearer, I perceived it was a female, apparently about the middle age, dressed in the coarse and homely garb of a peasant, over which she wore a man's Gaberdine, and over that an old coat. I accosted her, and she returned my greeting with great civility, and readily gave me the information I desired. There is something in the beauty of nature, and the simplicity of rural occupations, that forci