many a ditcli, hidden in rank grass, 



where a perfect nursery of exquisite 



little ferns grew, quite unnoticed by 



the casual passer-by ; the spot by 



the brook where the may grew 



thickest ; and where the deepest 



pink wild roses were to be found ; 



and the blackberries, too. 



I generally returned from the 



expeditions in such a woeful state 



of dishevelment that I was quite 



afraid to show myself at home. 



How often have I anxiously 



watched for an opportunity to 



creep in, quietly and unobtrusivel)', 



bj' the back entrance, escaping to 



the shelter of my own room to 



repair (or rather try to repair) the 



ravages my unfortunate wardrobe 



had sustained ! I seemed to have 



a particular talent for tearing my 



clothes, and so getting into dire 



disgrace with my elders. The 



little school chum who was my 



companion on these treasure hunts 



was one of those tidy children who always seemed able to keep trim and 



fresh ; while I, alas ! was a mass of rags and tatters, scratches and mud I 



It was always the pocket of my coat in which the blackberries were 



stored ; always my umbrella, or rather my mother's (borrowed sur- 

 reptitiously for the occasion on account of its crooked handle), that 



got torn in endeavours to get those finest specimens that always 

 grow out of reach 1 



For our first studj- this month 1 think we ought 



to take its name-sake ; and if we can choose a day 



when the bright clear spring sunshine is showing up 



the hawthorn bushes in all the brillianc\' of their 



warm white blossoms against the cloudless blue sky, 



we have a picture before us that is indeed a joy 



and delight, and typical of the spring. As a study, 



if we determine to paint the whole tree, this must 



be treated boldly ; the lights kept broad, and 



the .shadows warm ; for where can we find 



cold colour anywhere when Nature is 



glowing with warmth and light ? 



It is impossible for inc to give you a list 



The Siitchwort is one of ihe loveliest 

 of our spring flowers. 



36 



