AUSTRALIAN AUTUMN.

(Cf. F. P. Smith in the Spectator, April 12th.) [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.].

SIR, —I am aware that it is futile to retort to a poem, and that the verses enclosed herewith are greatly inferior to Mr. Smith's published in the Spectator of April 12th. His show a • high imaginative quality, but nothing that he describes, except the burning of fires, ever happens in an Australian autumn. He was probably describing late summer (February or March) after a bad drought. This would roughly correspond to late July or early August in England. Autumn (April and May) is a heavenly season in every State in Australia, but summer (November to end of March) is, when hot and droughty— it isn't always that !—trying to the temper of the unacclima- tized.

This i3 the gentlest season of the year. From mists of pearl and gold The slow sweet hours unfold To crystal colows, still As glass, but not as chill.

All birds speak softly in the autumn bush. One bellbird from the deep Like a call heard in sleep Chimes : in the'bronze-gold gloom Cool greenhood _orchids bloom.

Brown leaves are withering on the alien trees. The metal of our hills -

Is veiled with blue that fills The spirit with a bright Sense of intrinsic light.

Now that the dew has vanished sheep lie down By companies content In wilga-shade and scent ; The reaper sounds near by Like the cicadas' cry.

And so the mellow day llovis on to dus And loveliness that grows " - With skies of mauve and rose : While fragrant smoke-plumes lie Subtle as memory,

Curled round our hearts in this still jewelled air,

Risen from the pulsing fire Many-hued like desire.

Overhead stars blaze white Superb in frosty night.

This is the kindliest season of the year.

The sun's gold arrows all Have lost their barbs : thick fall The berries ripe, and still Each bird may have his fill.

Now peace and plenteousness have spread their wings After the blessed rains .. On autumn hills and plains Remains the exile's mind Aloof, tormented, blind."

am, Sir, &c., DOROTHEA MACKELLAR.

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