In walking through Victoria Park this morning, I thought it was a perfect example of an Indian Summer; and then wondered what the origin of the term is. The answer is, as I’ve discovered, a bit hazy, like the time of year: its origins lying in North American usage when the Indians went out to hunt and the trees were then, as they will be now in New England, bright orange. In normal circumstances, it would refer to bright autumnal days in October and November, but autumn has arrived early this year – I assume because of the unusually hot spring:-
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 
Dear Charles,
I can report that here in Massachusetts (the heart of New England) I have seen no bright orange leaves yet. Dogwood is generally the first to turn, and has begun to do so, the tree in our backyard fading from green to dusty red. The maples are usually the second to go, and they are the ones to turn bright orange. The first hints of change are just showing. The beeches and oaks (our woodlot is mostly white oak) are still a bright summer green. Although sunny, the temperature during the day doesn’t leave the 60s, so fall colors (and leaf peepers, as fall tourists are known) can’t be far off.
Warmly, Ivan
The trees were already turning in Anglesey in August. No leaf peepers, though. Charles
At Wakehurst Place in Sussex today it was still very green. Only the acers were really starting to turn. May I share some photos?