88 PROGRESS OF THE SEASONS. 



Alperton was the next place I passed ; and proceeding a considerable dis- 

 tance along this pretty road, (turning to the right at the extreme end,) I 

 found myself near Sudbury, and not quite three miles from Harrow. Of 

 course, I could not help strolling to Harrow ; and a delightful view indeed I 

 obtained of it ! I did not tai*ry long on the hill, knowing how fearfully fast 

 the time was flying. However, I saw quite enough to fill me with delight. 



My mind now seemed sweet upon Willesdon, some few miles distant ; and 

 turning upon the hill — " to take a last fond look," — forward I went. I 

 reached the pretty little village of Willesdon about half-past two ; and after 

 viewing " the rookery," the renowned tomb of the mother of Jack Shepherd, 

 and other local curiosities, it was time to be again moving. Remembering 

 the fair hand of mine host's daughter, that had once before gracefully 

 ministered to me at the " White Hart " here, that same hand was again 

 soUcited to pour me out a glass of sherry. It kindly consented. In the 

 strength of this I walked some four miles further, and passing through the 

 dear little village of Acton, just as the birds were " singing Vespers," I enjoyed 

 another most delectable treat. Here, homewards, I Avas musically enter- 

 tained the whole distance, — the Thrush and the Blackbird apparently striving 

 which should sing the other to sleep. 



I may here generally remark, that the Wren, Robin, Chaffinch, Dicky 

 Dunnock, {Accentor modularis), Thrush, and Blackbird, were to day the 

 principal songsters. They were numerous and very lively. The Sky-larks 

 were only tuning up, and taking low flights. Their song was not matured, 

 nor joyous. It very soon will be, for all Nature is progressing. Our good 

 mother — God bless her! — is only slumbering; vegetation already shows 

 what she is thinhing about. We must not altogether wake her up yet. There 

 must yet pass over her head some heavy clouds, some rough winds, some 

 mountains of snow, some bodies of ice. All these will only set off' her lovely 

 handiwork to increased advantage. 



As yet we have had no Winter. I found all the roads and lanes through 

 which I passed perfectly clean and dry for the most part. Gnats were born 

 during the day in countless generations, and were seen eddying in giddy 

 flight under many a hedge. The rooks were all alive, and lively; a few 

 repairing their old nests. Starlings, by thousands, passed over my head, 

 and all savoured of activity. 



In sheltered situations I met with an abundance of China roses, wall- 

 flowers, periwinkles, and the heartsease, {Viola tricolor). Golden saxifrage, 

 too, and stonecrop, {Chrysosplenium), met my eye in pleasing variety. The 

 bramble was in full leaf. In one or two situations I noted the red dead- 

 nettle, in flower ; also, in several places, budding snowdrops, and crocuses. 

 The catkin, too, of the hazel, was unfolding, and the leaves of the honey- 

 suckle were out. The pretty little heads of the daisies Avere perceptible, 

 but they were not in full bloom. All nature was in motion. 



