The merriest time of all the year Is the time when the leaves begin to fall, When the chestnut-trees turn yellow and sear, And the flowers are withering one and all; When the thick green sward is growing brown, And the honeysuckle berries are red, And the oak is shaking its acorns down, And the dry twigs snap' neath the woodman's tread. The merriest dance that e'er was seen Is the headlong dance of the whirling leaves, And the rattling stubble that flies between The yellow ranks of the barley sheaves. The merriest song that e'er was heard Is the song of the sobbing autumn wind; When the thin bare boughs of the elm are stirr'd, And shake the black ivy round them twined. The merriest time of all the year Is the time when all things fade and fall, When the sky is bleak, and the earth is drear, Oh, that's the merriest month of all. _Friday, 26th._ While I was dressing, D----, like a good angel, came in with three letters from England in her hand. * * * * * The love of excellent friends is one of God's greatest blessings, and deserves our utmost thankfulness. The counsel of sound heads and the affection of Christian spirits is a staff of support, and a spring of rejoicing through life. * * * * * * * * * * A Mr., Mrs., and young Mr. ----, called upon us: they are the only inhabitants of this good city who have done us that honour. * * * * *