As the gentle, amber sun of autumn softens with every passing day, the land beneath takes on nature's richly-colored mantle, prepares leisurely for the restful sleep of winter. A time of peace and quiet lies upon the earth. Falling leaves, brilliantly afire with red and rich with gold, make thick, fragile carpets upon the forest floor, their delicate structures seemingly made of color alone. Woodland waters, replenished after thirsty summer days, rest undisturbed, nurturing deep secrets in their depth once more, and in open glades the last scattered wildflowers bend lightly to the weight of a belated honeybee. Across the valley on a distant hillside, haphazard patterns of sunlight from between wandering clouds play along the undulating slopes, using bold strokes and deft touches of pure color from the ranging palette of maple, birch, evergreen and sumac to produce fleeting, ever-changing images of nature's masterpiece. For Canadians it is a time to pause before the vigorous pace of winter begins, note once more the beauties of their widespread land, stand thankful again for many harvests and another season's growth.