1851.] AJIERICAN NOTE-BOOKS. 407

decayed trunk of a tree, — are well worth looking at, such a variety and such enjoyment they have of their new growth. Amid these fresh creations, we see others that have already run their course, and have done with

warmth and sunshine, — the hoary periwigs, I mean,

of dandelions gone to seed.

August 7th. — Fourier states that, in the progress of the world, the ocean is to lose its saltness, and ac- quire the taste of a peculiarly flavored lemonade.

October 13th. — How pleasant it is to see a human countenance which cannot be insincere, — in reference to baby’s smile.

The best of us being unfit to die, what an inexpres- sible absurdity to put the worst to death!

“ Is that a burden of sunshine on Apollo’s back ? ”

asked one of the children, —of the chlamys on our Apollo Belvedere.

October 21st ——Going to the village yesterday af- ternoon, I saw the face of a beautiful woman, gazing at me from a cloud. It was the full face, not the bust. It had a sort of mantle on the head, and a pleasant expression of countenance. The vision lasted while I took a few steps, and then vanished. I never before saw nearly so distinct a cloud-picture, or rather sculp- ture ; for it came out in alto-rilievo on the body of the cloud.

October 27th. — The ground this morning is white with a thin covering of snow. The foliage has still