Non-Fiction > Books > London, 1878 - Inland voyage

ON THE WILLEBROEK CANAL.
Next morning, when we set forth on the
WUiebroek Canal, the rain began heavy and chill.
The water of the canal stood at about the
drinking temperature of tea ; and under this
cold aspersion, the surface was covered with
steam. The exhilaration of departure, and the
easy motion of the boats under each stroke of
the paddles supported us through this mis-
fortune while it lasted ; and when the cloud
passed and the sun came out again, our spirits
went up above the range of stay-at-home
humours. A good breeze rustled and shivered
in the rows of trees that bordered the canal.
The leaves flickered in and out of the light in
tumultuous masses. It seemed sailing weather