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page 90
of those deluges of rain which fall among the Abyssinian
mountains for the annual supply of the Nile. The months of
September and October (particularly October) are generally
attended with much finer weather; and the scenery is then,
beyond comparison, more diversified, more splendid, and
beautiful; but, on the other hand, short days prevent long
excursions, and sharp and chill gales are unfavourable to
parties of pleasure out of doors. Nevertheless, to the
sincere admirer of nature, who is in good health and
spirits, and at liberty to make a choice, the six weeks
following the 1st of September may be recommended in
preference to July and August. For there is no inconvenience
arising from the season which, to such a person, would not
be amply compensated by the autumnal appearance of
any of the more retired vallies, into which discordant
plantations and unsuitable buildings have not yet found
entrance. - In such spots, at this season, there is an
admirable compass and proportion of natural harmony in
colour, through the whole scale of objects; in the tender
green of the after-grass upon the meadows, interspersed with
islands of grey or mossy rock, crowned by shrubs and trees;
in the irregular inclosures of standing corn, or
stubble-fields, in like manner broken; in the mountain-sides
glowing with fern of divers colours; in the calm blue lakes
and river-pools; and in the foliage of the trees, through
all the tints of autumn, - from the pale and brilliant
yellow
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