In the Arctic and Antarctic regions the nights are often made quite gorgeous by the Northern Lights or Aurora borealis, and the corresponding appearance in the Southern hemisphere. The Aurora borealis generally begins towards evening, and first appears as a faint glimmer in the north, like the approach of dawn. Gradually a curve of light spreads like an immense arch of yellowish-white hue, which gains rapidly in brilliancy, flashes and vibrates like a flame in the wind. Often two or even three arches appear one over the other. After a while coloured rays dart upwards in divergent pencils, often green below, yellow in the centre, and crimson above, while it is said that sometimes almost black, or at least very dark violet, rays are interspersed among the rings of light, and heighten their effect by contrast. Sometimes the two ends of the arch seem to rise off the horizon, and the whole sheet of light throbs and undulates like a fringed curtain of light; sometimes the sheaves of rays unite into an immense cupola; while at others the separate rays seem alternately lit and extinguished. Gradually the light flickers and fades away, and has generally disappeared before the first glimpse of dawn. We seldom see the Aurora in the south of England, but we must not complain; our winters are mild, and every month has its own charm and beauty. In January we have the lengthening days. " February " the first butterfly. " March " the opening buds. " April " the young leaves and spring flowers. " May " the song of birds. " June " the sweet new-mown hay. " July " the summer flowers. " August " the golden grain. " September " the fruit. " October " the autumn tints. " November " the hoar frost on trees and the pure snow. " December " last not least, the holidays of Christmas, and the bright fireside. It is well to begin the year in January, for we have then before us all the hope of spring. Oh wind, If winter comes, can spring be long behind?[8] Spring seems to revive us all. In the Song of Solomon-- My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; The time of the singing of birds is come, The voice of the turtle is heard in our land, The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, And the vines with the tender grape give a good smell.