THE BIRDS OF TERRTOK HOUSE. 109 



mens of the Nettle, Tortoise-shell, and Peacock Butterfly may be seen 

 spreading themselves out in the sun and enjoying the warmth after having 

 had their energies cramped during the winter months, in which they had 

 been lying in a half torpid state in the thatch of rick or outhouse, or in 

 some convenient nook or corner, cranny or crevice. The small whites, too, 

 are beginning to emerge from the chrysalis state, and one by one to make 

 their appearance. While around us 



''The wild Bee wanders humming 

 Like a blessed fairy thing." 



Warmed into life, and called into active existence by the reanimating power 

 of the sun's rays, it is now collecting wax to form its cells, the future birth- 

 places of a numerous progeny, which shall duly arise, and through the live- 

 long summer gather sweets " from every opening flower," their ceaseless 

 hum resounding through the dale ; the " soothing dreamy sound " tending 

 gratefully to allay excited feelings ; lulling the heat-oppressed and weary to 

 repose ; and powerfully contributing to " steep the senses in forgetfulness." 

 Each season has its charms : but charming beyond all other seasons is 

 the Spring. Each season discloses beauties peculiar to itself. Each in its 

 turn contributes largely to the enjoyment of the lovers of Nature. As re- 

 gards scenery, Autumn unquestionably bears off" the palm. But Autumn 

 speaks of glories departing, of beauties decaying, of splendours vanishing ; 

 while the Spring is full of life, of hope, of increasing animation. It speaks 

 of growing, of expanding beauties, of unfolding joys, of greater pleasures 

 yet in store, of bi'ightening prospects. Light and buoyant become the 

 spirits ; joyous and gladsome the feelings. The soul is attuned to harmony. 

 Eeclining upon some sunny bank, and richly enjoying the beauties with 

 which we are surrounded, sing we, as sang the poet Thomson : 



" These, as they change, Almighty Father ! these 

 Are but the varied God. The rolling year 

 Is full of Thee. Forth in the pleasing spring 

 Thy beauty walks, Thy tenderness and love : 

 Wide flush the fields; the soft'ning air is balm; 

 Echo the moimtains round ; the forest smiles ; 

 And ev'ry sense, and every heart is joy." 



We wend our way to some common or heath where the furze abounds, 

 whose " flowers of scented gold " in countless myriads charm the eye. Here 

 the bridal song of the Linnet is heard, and here ari*ayed in his bridal robes 

 is he seen. Of bright vermillion is his vest ; a frontlet of the same bright 

 colour is upon his forehead ; a rich tawny, varied with white and brown are 

 the remaining colours of his dress. He looks a bridegroom every inch. Of 

 handsome and dashing exterior; pleasing, gentle, and persuasive in manners, 

 — to gain a biide were to him no difficult task. The dress of the bride is 

 far plainer than that of the bridegroom; it is of that sober and modest 



