MAY. by 



But not alone do the insect tribes feel the influence 

 of " the season ;" its effects are plainly felt by the 

 bipedal inhabitants of this sublunary planet. Winter 

 clothing begins to be "offered at an alarming sacrifice, 

 in order to make room for the summer stock." Water- 

 proof alpacas have fallen to an alarming discount; 

 parasols of mushroom dimensions and elaborate work- 

 manship take the place of the umbrellas in the shop 

 windows. The confectioner seriously thinks of expos- 

 ing to the public gaze the glass label, which has lain so 

 snugly beneath his counter throughout the winter, on 

 which is inscribed the single word " Ices." Peram- 

 bulating ginger-beer establishments may now be met 

 with at the street corners. The metropolitan water- 

 carts now distribute their aqueous contents over the 

 dusty roads and the polished boots of the unwary 

 pedestrian. Exeter Hall opens its portals to the " thou- 

 sand and one" societies that annually hold their meet- 

 ings within its walls ; while at the " Royal Academy" 

 the " Portrait of a Gentleman" may be stared out of 

 countenance, if possible, for " the small charge of one 

 shilling." In fact the season has commenced — London 

 has begun to fill with people and the country with 

 insects. The country now presents a charming aspect. 

 The fully expanded bud displays itself in all its charms, 

 clothing the hedges in a garb of refreshing green; the 

 hawthorn now is in full bloom, filling the air with a 

 delicious fragrance, and the slender shoots of the 

 honeysuckle clasp its stems, or hang gracefully from 

 the branches, exposing to the sight its clusters of beau- 

 tiful flowers ; while the frisky lambs and full-uddered 

 cows, as they lay in the green meadows quietly chew- 



