10 BIRD-LIFE OF THE BORDERS 



colourless and blanched by the weather, and flattened 

 down by the weight of the winter's snows. 



Thus, while birds recognise the advent of Spring" long" 

 before its presence is otherwise perceptible, and hold 

 their fixtures regardless of weather ; yet plant-life ex- 

 hibits no acknowledgment of the passing of winter till 

 an actual access of warmth awakens it. "Winter lingers 

 in the lap of May," and it is never until May that 

 Watson's distich applies in joyful truth : — 



" Now while the vernal impulsion makes lyrical all that hath language, 

 While through the veins of the earth riots the ichor of Spring." 



